I heard reading is optional now too :-)
I know an inner-city kid who gets high 80s and 90s on his report card and I am happy for him. He took the SAT and I want a bright future for him. He is smart. But his command of the English language deserves a mark in the mid-70s.
God only knows what the kids who get mid-70s are like
The public schools are NOT teaching grammar or pronunciation. I cringe while watching TV or listening to the radio. Their scripts are written out for them and the errors in grammar and pronunciation are HORRIBLE!!!! The English language is being butchered. It is like Ebonics for everyone!