The Nation : Students’ Writing Faulted

A federally financed survey found that most American students demonstrated unsatisfactory writing skills. The 10-year study concluded that, despite some recent improvements, the writing abilities of 10- to 17-year-old students remain in dismal shape and show a “clear cause for concern.” The study said: “Despite an increased emphasis on writing at all grade levels during the decade, students in 1984 appeared to be only just regaining their 1974 levels of proficiency.” The report was issued by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, established by Congress 17 years ago to test how well the nation’s schools are doing in various subjects.