The Inarticulate Modern High School Student

Journalism teacher Michael Skube argues about the contemporary high school student’s inability to write and speak with proper English. With all the impressive grade point averages these students achieve, Skube ponders why these students cannot comprehend words that have been exposed to them for years, and why they cannot distinguish the use of words like “Accept” and “Except”. Because of this, he questions the meaning of a high school diploma. Certain states have a mandatory exit exam that students must pass before graduation. A good portion of these students do not pass despite having an impressive GPA. With all these students who do not pass while having a good GPA, how does anyone believe that these students can handle the challenge of a college level class? Also, Skube condemns the purpose of a grade point average, saying that when it comes to college level readiness, a high SAT score will provide a better predictor of success than a high grade point average. He blames this on the fact that those who have higher SAT scores and mediocre grade point averages were bored throughout high school and read more for pleasure, which is the cure for all the aforementioned problems in Skube’s opinion.
English teacher Todd Hagstette believes that “Aggressive Reading” will cure the modern high school student’s inability to speak fluently because he blames the cause on passive reading. “Aggressive Reading” involves reading over material multiple times, arguing with the author’s point of view, and placing one’s self into a level of discomfort in order to fully grasp a written work. Passive reading includes skimming through a work in order to accomplish a task or to enjoy a book, not to fully understand what is written. This helps the issue that Michael Skube proposes because “Aggressive Reading” helps others comprehend the material. This comprehension of the material will help others become more fluent, which translates into improved speech and writing.