Whole Word vs Phonics

[not the status quo]

I've been told that Waukegan elementary schools don't teach our children phonics. The method is whole word or whole language. I have done a little reading on this topic. I would like to know what some of the older elementary school teachers, say, in their 60's, think about this. Who decided to adopt this newer method? What method do the teachers prefer? Which method produces better results? Can anyone on this forum give me some feedback on this topic?