Changes

Same language, same heritage:  the [[U.K.]] and the [[U.S.]] would presumably settle on the same optimal way to teach children how to read [[English]].  While the [[U.K.]] has chosen [[phonics]] for its obvious benefits, the [[U.S.]] [[public schools]] typically do not use real [[phonics]].  Why?

Same language, same heritage:  the [[U.K.]] and the [[U.S.]] would presumably settle on the same optimal way to teach children how to read [[English]].  While the [[U.K.]] has chosen [[phonics]] for its obvious benefits, the [[U.S.]] [[public schools]] typically do not use real [[phonics]].  Why?

One reason may be the different political incentives in the two countries. The teachers' union is overwhelmingly [[Democratic]] {{fact}}.

One reason may be the different political incentives in the two countries. The teachers' union is overwhelmingly [[Democratic]].

That is not true, or not as true, in the [[U.K.]]  The [[Labour Party]] is not struggling and does not fear losing power, and does not have as tight a grip over education as the [[Democratic Party]] holds in the [[U.S.]]  Also, the [[Labour Party]] is not as dependent on [[illiteracy]] to win elections in the [[U.K.]]

That is not true, or not as true, in the [[U.K.]]  The [[Labour Party]] is not struggling and does not fear losing power, and does not have as tight a grip over education as the [[Democratic Party]] holds in the [[U.S.]]  Also, the [[Labour Party]] is not as dependent on [[illiteracy]] to win elections in the [[U.K.]]