The educational system is fond of taking things to extremes. Lockhart's Lament (www.maa.org/devlin/lockhartslament.pdf) probably applies equally well here. Ki

The educational system is fond of taking things to extremes. Lockhart's Lament (www.maa.org/devlin/lockhartslament.pdf) probably applies equally well here. Kids need to know why humans write, and the joy that can be derived through self-expression and communication. They also need to be taught the tools to express ideas and arguments (as those tools become pertinent). Finally, they need to be shown how the ability to communicate through writing can be useful to them in achieving their own goals. It's frustrating to see the educational system constantly bang from one extreme to the other when I would hope it would be clear that a balance is required.