Education

Sometimes I re-calculate the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula. Or sometimes, I have some kind of a problem that really does need simple algebra to solve.

But you are suggesting kids be able to get away with about a fourth grade level of knowledge and skills.

Spellcheck, as good as it is, is no use if you've correctly spelled the wrong word, instead of the one you intend. I see that all the time. And knowing the difference between your and you're, they're, there, and their, its and it's is actually important.

I was at a science fiction con recently, and in a panel about writing, one member talked about her son who is trying to write, but since he almost never reads, although he does listen to audio books, simply cannot write a coherent sentence. He managed to graduate high school with minimal writing skills, but hasn't a clue they are minimal.