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Recently, a student of mine mentioned that her high school English curriculum included analyzing the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar. This moment struck me, as it marked my first encounter with a high school assignment that incorporated an artist whose work I had not previously considered in the context of literature.
The debate over whether we can classify Kendrick Lamar as an author and his lyrics as literature raises important questions. While some may argue for a more inclusive definition of literature, I contend that high school education should primarily focus on the foundational literary canon. Core high school curricula are designed to introduce students to the essential principles of various fields, including mathematics, science, and literature, laying a groundwork for more advanced study in these areas.
For instance, in mathematics, we teach fundamental concepts in algebra and calculus to ensure that students are well-prepared should they choose to advance their studies. Substituting essential literature with contemporary works might leave students lacking a deep understanding necessary for further exploration of literary studies.
This leads to an important question: why replace classical authors like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens with artists whose works might not hold the same literary significance? It is crucial that students gain insight into the foundational texts that have shaped literary discourse over centuries before engaging with the contemporary music of artists like Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift, which often occupies a different cultural conversation.
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Educators play a vital role in shaping future thinkers and leaders. Engaging students with complex, time-honored texts helps them develop critical thinking skills that are essential for their intellectual growth. It is imperative that we maintain high intellectual standards and resist the urge to diminish the importance of classical literature, particularly during formative educational years.
Many students are already familiar with the works of contemporary artists through their personal interests, making it unnecessary to dedicate valuable classroom time to these analyses. Utilizing class time to dissect the lyrics of popular musicians may limit students’ exposure to the rich narratives and themes found in traditional literature, potentially relegating significant works of art to the status of fleeting pop culture phenomena.
While institutions like New York University may offer courses that explore artists like Taylor Swift as literature, such studies should ideally come after students have a solid grasp of the literary canon. At the high school level, it is important to prioritize a comprehensive understanding of the literature that has historically scrutinized the human experience.
In my role as a writing instructor for high school students through my consulting firm, I emphasize the importance of classic literature as a foundation for strong communication skills. When guiding students in writing their college essays, I reference authors like Hemingway, Dostoyevsky, and Fitzgerald to help them develop a unique voice and clarity in their expressions.
It concerns me that many students now rely heavily on AI tools such as ChatGPT or Grammarly, potentially undermining their writing abilities. While these tools can enhance learning, they should supplement—not replace—the development of essential written communication skills. A generation that neglects strong writing is at risk of struggling to articulate ideas effectively, which is crucial for meaningful societal impact.
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The students I educate are destined for various professional paths, from medicine to law and engineering. By diluting high school English curricula, we risk diminishing our commitment to nurturing thoughtful, imaginative minds. Although not all educators have transitioned from Shakespeare to pop artists, the inclusion of contemporary musicians into English syllabi signifies a broader trend that could undermine critical thinking standards.
Instead of spending time on less challenging forms of entertainment, I encourage my college-bound students to engage with classic literature. Many express gratitude for tackling daunting texts, as grappling with complex ideas cultivates stronger analytical and communicative skills, essential for their future endeavors.
Ultimately, English instructors should strive to instill the importance of critical thinking in students, shaping them into effective communicators who appreciate the depth and beauty of literature.
This narrative about high school English was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit organization dedicated to insightful coverage of educational inequality and innovation. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter for more insights.
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