Reading, Writing, and Multiple Choice

[melclaros <melclaros@yahoo.com>]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Steve <bboy_mn at y...>" 
<bboy_mn at y...> wrote:
> Since we are on the subject of reading, writing, and grammar, let me
> add an additional thought. I know we have some teacher here and I
> would be especially interested in their comments.
> 
> We live in the age of 'multiple choice'. When was the last time any
> kid actually had to write anything? One of the ways to improve your
> writing is to write. The more you do it, assume you are actually
> interested in getting better, the better you get. 
> 
> To what extent are kids required to write in the US educational 
system
> today?


Well in Florida they have to pass the dreaded "Florida Writes" test 
which sounds wonderful but is really horrific. What it has created is 
a monster of formulaic writing that has sucked the joy of creative 
writing out of more kids than I care to think about. I've had to read 
and judge essays for completely unrelated writing competitions and 
even those show a slavish adherence to the Florida Writes Formula. 
It's mind-numbing to read these things. I can't IMAGINE being forced 
to write them. My own son used to enjoy writing. He'd write goofy 
stories and plays...that stopped cold when he got to the Florida 
Writes testing age. He now HATES writing. Avoids it like the plague. 
He tells me it's boring. BORING! 
Breaks my heart. I'll take multiple choice over that ANY DAY!

Melpomene