As a former high school English teacher of 20 years, I couldn't agree more! I also agree that as the world changes, we need these skills even more. In fact, it's an opportunity to replace time once needed for memorization and STUFF to be used for the ability to THINK. Some teachers I've spoken with or even trained have voiced the feeling of overwhelm -- there's so much to teach now (ie English teachers are expected to teach media, film, etc.). But I see it as an opportunity to engage in how we want to students to ingest and discern information for themselves, so that they can encounter any text and carefully consider its implications. I hope the students in Florida whose teachers are focusing on these skills will speak up for what they want in their curriculum.
As a former high school English teacher of 20 years, I couldn't agree more! I also agree that as the world changes, we need these skills even more. In fact, it's an opportunity to replace time once needed for memorization and STUFF to be used for the ability to THINK. Some teachers I've spoken with or even trained have voiced the feeling of overwhelm -- there's so much to teach now (ie English teachers are expected to teach media, film, etc.). But I see it as an opportunity to engage in how we want to students to ingest and discern information for themselves, so that they can encounter any text and carefully consider its implications. I hope the students in Florida whose teachers are focusing on these skills will speak up for what they want in their curriculum.