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Just demanding that 'good writing' be taught is a pipe dream.

You're right. Fortunately, my solution is to say "Honey, can I see the kids' latest writing assignments?" My wife, who teaches the kids at home, will let me analyze for use of dangling participles or passive voice, and of course the odd spelling error (they're young, after all), which I then point out to the kids.

It helps that our homeschool association has set up a once-a-week class specifically for writing, in addition to the work they're already doing.

Am I being arrogant? Yeah, some. I have the advantage that my wife and I went into parenthood with the understanding that providing for childrens' education is the parents' responsibility, and we elected not to farm the job out.

I went into parenthood with the understanding that providing for childrens' education is the parents' responsibility, and we elected not to farm the job out.

EUREKA! If a kid doesn't learn, it is the fault of his or her PARENTS! This is exactly why the problem is not being fixed - it's easier to blame the educational system than to take some of that precious TV time each evening and make sure a kid is learning. Maybe we shouldn't have to do this, but let's face it: Griping about the educational system is not helping the kids to learn. My brother (who is a good conservative and genuinely cares about his students) teaches 7th grade English in a public school, and while he admits the system is terribly flawed, he says the number one problem is parents who just don't care about education. He says that if parents would just be a little supportive, or at least let him do his job, he could teach, but he is increasingly impeded by parents who don't think their kids should have to put forth any effort to learn. They worry about their little angel being "picked on" by a teacher more than making sure their kid is being taught the things that should be taught. Until we start putting pressure on teachers AND parents, nothing will change.