This article is missing the real elephant in the room.
I worked for a couple of years as an instructor in the writing clinic of a large university. Lots of college students (and graduate students as well) who were not athletes had problems with writing that were as bad or worse than this example.
And some of the teachers were at fault for not demanding better writing skills on papers. I know of at least one professor who accepted papers written in Ebonic as valid.
We are living in a time in which the great dumbing down of the American student is taking place.
However, here's a thought. Maybe it's just me, or maybe others out there are thinking the same thing...
If we DO require better writing skills, better comprehension, and speaking the English language in a way that shows that you know how to use words properly, and the people coming through the education system prove that they are INCAPABLE of these things, what then? Yes, it could be the teacher's fault...but what if it isn't?
Please understand...I am NOT talking about dyslexia or a clinical reason. I am talking about kids who come out of a CULTURE of not wanting to learn, reinforced by the actions of both peers and parents. Are we graduating (or passing) people who, for whatever reason, are not capable of proper language skills?
And here's the $64,000 question: What do we DO with those who simply cannot speak, read, or write properly?
(Yes...I am well aware I am wading into dangerous territory.)
The reason students cannot write is they do not read. I didn’t say they can’t read; it’s that they DON’T read. You have to be a good reader before you can become a decent writer.