Quill & Conscience

The fact that almost all of these literary classics, such as Animal Farm, Catch-22, and Lord of the Flies are so familiar to students who have taken high school English for the past century, speaks volumes about the static nature of our educational approach. These iconic works have long been pillars of English education, as corroborated by the New York State Education Department’s 2018 ELA Resource Guide. Yet, it is precisely their omnipresence in standard curricula that reveals a critical flaw in how the system prepares students for the demands of contemporary writing.

At first glance, these classics embody the essence of what writing should aspire to be: vessels for self-expression, artistic mastery, persuasiveness, and power. However, the flaw lies not within the texts themselves but in the narrow scope through which they are often approached in the classroom. Traditional essay assignments centered around these canonical works often prioritize literary analysis and historical context over the development of versatile writing styles and critical thinking. 

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, global connectivity, and diverse communication platforms, the ability to craft persuasive arguments while engaging diverse audiences is paramount. Yet, the rigid adherence to formulaic essay structures fails to prepare students for the multifaceted writing tasks demanded in real-world scenarios. Students are left grappling with the disconnect between the academic exercises of examining literary themes and the practical skills required for effective communication in professional and civic atmospheres. Acknowledging this gap does not diminish the value and meaning of these timeless masterpieces. They remain invaluable windows into literary artistry. However, the flaw lies in the expense of broader writing proficiency and adaptability.

As we delve into the heart of English education, a concerning trend emerges—the declining literacy rates among both adults and students, which is evident nationwide. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics in 2022 reveals that 79% of U.S. adults had medium to high English literacy skills, while 21% had low literacy skills. This underscores the urgent need for a critical examination of our educational system’s efficacy in equipping individuals with essential English literacy skills for their futures. As high school education serves as the foundation for college readiness, career success, and overall ability to thrive in our advancing society, the stark reality of literacy challenges underscores the pressing need for immediate reforms. 

Upon closer analysis of our current ELA Education System, it becomes imperative to consider comparisons with educational systems in other regions. This comparative exploration is especially relevant when looking at Europe, given its well-established traditions in literature and language education, to identify potential areas for improvement in our current approach.

In the European Union, English Language Arts education places a strong emphasis on essential reading and writing skills, reflected in the region’s adult literacy rate of 99% in 2024, as reported by UNESCO. To exemplify, in the UK, the curriculum for secondary schools, established by the UK Department for Education in 2014, integrates English language and literature, encouraging the study of classics like Shakespeare’s alongside contemporarily diverse texts. This curriculum prioritizes critical reading, analytical skills, and various writing styles, fully ensuring that students develop comprehensive language abilities.

Conversely, our current approach in the United States is perceived as leaning more towards shorter readings and thematic analysis, potentially missing out on the depth and complexity offered by longer texts and varied writing tasks. While our curriculum may focus on analyzing themes and plot elements, the emphasis on deciphering and critically analyzing longer texts with sophisticated writing language may not be as pronounced. 

With these considerations: what exactly constitutes the primary issue with our existing ELA curriculum?

In assessing the outlook for the future of the average high school student in America, it becomes apparent that our current curriculum falls short of adequately preparing students for the diverse writing demands they will face in higher education and beyond. As students progress into college and the professional world, they will encounter various writing tasks essential for success, such as crafting resumes, cover letters, professional emails, and presentations. These writing tasks require not only proficient language skills but also the ability to present ideas persuasively and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

Under our current curriculum, the focus tends to linger excessively on traditional literary analyses, often delving deeply into dissecting every minuscule detail of classic texts. While understanding literary themes and nuances is valuable, this singular focus leads to an imbalance where students spend disproportionate amounts of time on each book. According to German psychologist Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve, people forget approximately 80% of what they have learned after one month. The same idea applies to students. They spend countless hours memorizing intricate details for examinations but will lack long-term retention and application of the material. If this is the outcome, what is the point in only mastering literary analysis and critique for all four years? A balance is necessary. 

Students often view reading as a very mundane task—they don’t see it as something to be passionate about. In fact, many of my classmates no longer view literature as an enjoyable pursuit but rather as a chore linked to academic requirements. This perspective underscores a broader issue within the English education system, where the intrinsic joy of literature exploration is often overshadowed by a focus on analytical skills and standardized assessments.

These observations call for urgent action to reignite students’ passion for reading and literature. It is crucial for the integration of more discussions, presentational skills, and exposure to various writing styles to foster a deeper appreciation for literature and enhance overall writing capabilities. This holistic approach can not only nurture analytical thinking but also cultivate self-expression and a lasting love for reading among students.

The future generations of America stand on the precipice of a critical juncture, where the decisions we make today regarding our educational system will reverberate for decades to come. Whether they are pursuing careers in science, humanities, business, or any other field, one thing remains clear: they need to be equipped with the essential writing skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world. If the education systems do not undertake comprehensive reforms, the consequences will be profound. Youth will struggle to communicate effectively, think critically, and engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives. At this turning point in our educational system, the future success and trajectory of America’s youth are contingent upon the quality of education instilled in them.