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I used to grade the essay portion of standardized tests from various states and from various grade levels (from grades 5, 7, 9, 11). I couldn't believe how many students wrote their essays as if it were an e-mail, complete with slang and text-speak. (Text-speak is the term used for the abbreviations used in text messaging and e-mailing.) I knew writing in the US hit a new low when one essay received simply read "IDK." The student didn't even have the gumption to write "I don't know."

It prompted me to take a look at the problem of writing in schools today. Does the problem of having poor writers stem from the teachers? Or is it a problem with the students? Or does the problem lie outside of the teacher-student relationship (i.e. environment, society)? After careful consideration of all the possible scenarios, I have come to the conclusion that the culprit is all three.

Let's start with the teachers. Q: Are the teachers teaching the material? Of course they are. There would be some kind of accountability issues at stake if they weren't; otherwise, they'd be out of a job pretty quickly if they weren't teaching their subject. Q: Are the teachers being prepared for teaching their subject and continuing to better themselves in their subject? Some teachers, yes; some teachers, no. It amazes me that there are actually English teachers out there who do not read the classics and who do not practice writing in their free time. It leads me to believe that this is the straight path to mediocre teaching, which leads to mediocre students. Q: Do the teachers have the support from the school as far as materials and freedom to inventive teaching styles? In most cases, it's average at best, but more often, it's low. Budget cuts, low salaries, and archaic views toward academic subjects by school board and community members hinder the ability to teach. (Especially if you think outside the box.)

Now, let's look at the students. Q: How many students use a computer or cell phone everyday? A large number of students own computers at home and are quite proficient at using it. Every public library has public computers available with Internet access and Microsoft Word. Many students have their own cell phones with the popularity of family plans. Q: Do students understand the difference in writing purposes (i.e. writing e-mails, notes, texting vs. writing for school)? Many do, but there are an appalling number of students who do not. There are students who want to abbreviate everything,

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