This is not the only thing that is being de-emphasized in schools.
I got into a hearted argument with one of my sons teachers a few years back when he was asked to intentionally misspell a list of words. When I asked her why, I was told that spelling is so bad nowadays that kids need to be able to recognize words spelled all different ways.
The dumbing down of America continues...
Of course, you have to teach them to spell. They might be some of the few of their generation who can, however. I notice that too, with my tutees. "We don't have to spell it correctly for my teacher." "Well, you do for me." haha.