(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) The National Council of Teachers of English published a statement explaining they believe it is time to “decenter” reading and writing, the Daily Wire reported.
Now, instead of studying literature and learning to write essays, English classes will focus on “digital media and popular culture.”
“Students should examine how digital media and popular culture are completely intermingled with language, literature and writing,” the statement read. “The time has come to decenter book reading and essay writing as the pinnacles of English language arts education.”
The statement also asserted that this is a necessary position to “address inequalities” regarding digital technology.
“To address inequalities in digital technologies and competencies, continuing curricular innovation in the ELA curriculum at all levels of K–12 education is needed,” the statement noted.
Activities like reading books and learning proper grammar and syntax are now insufficient for students of language arts.
“Educators value the use of teaching and learning practices that help to identify and disrupt the inequalities of contemporary life, including structural racism, sexism, consumerism, and economic injustice,” the statement highlighted.
This emphasis on social justice, race and other leftist talking points is a continual problem that has managed to find its way into many American classrooms.
Several states are working to head off this trend by passing laws banning discussion of critical race theory, sexual orientation and gender theory in school settings.
Florida’s anti-grooming law is a popular example, but other states—such as South Dakota—are passing similar laws as well.
Gov. Kristi Noem, R-SD, recently announced two executive orders, one of which will ban the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools, the other in public universities.
Critical Race Theory has no place in our South Dakota public education.
That’s why yesterday I announced I will be signing an executive order to ban the teachings in our K-12 schools. pic.twitter.com/nPYye6E4oT
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) April 5, 2022
“Critical Race Theory has no place in our South Dakota public education,” Noem wrote.
At least a dozen other states are on similar paths to ban gender theory and critical race theory in classrooms.
