Illiteracy is still the big problem. The education establishment foisted a phony method on the American public. That would be sight-words, an instructional method that guarantees most kids will never learn to read. 

The podcast (and transcript) introduces three experts, all women accustomed to working with teachers:

Nora Chahbazi, Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction / EBLI

Emily Hanford, The Science of Reading

Denise Eide, The Logic of English

I don't know these women but their work has impressed me over the years. They are very passionate about making sure children can read. I encourage teachers to do their own homework and pick the one that makes the most sense. 

The main thing is to stop putting up with inferior methods. Escape from the swamp.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1792553/episodes/9910408