English composition —an intimate survey

English is the commonest school subject. It is also probably the most confusing. And the least satisfactory phase of English is unquestionably composition. I am undertaking to write a series of very short papers, of which the present is the first, to help school people to think through their particular problems regarding curricula, textbooks, and methods of instruction in English composition. It is necessary that we should meet, in starting, upon a common ground. Let us all agree, then-first, on a definition, and, secondly, upon our own attitude. I am thinking only of the public school, not of the specifically "prep" institution. Can we not, therefore, agree that the objectives of school English are in society-in the usages of cultured men and women in America at large-not in requirements set by colleges and their entrance boards? If the other supposition be true, there is no argument possible; the school must teach what will put pupils through entrance examinations, and must do this regardless of whether the broader social purposes are also served. The best thinking nowadays, however, indicates that in this respect there is no real conflict and should be no formal one. Whatever truly prepares a boy or girl to speak, write, or read efficiently in the broad world beyond the school prepares him, in the real essentials, just as well for success in college. The highly specific, and therefore restrictive and repressive, college-entrance examinations are very rapidly being superseded. We can agree, therefore-can we not?-on the statement that the aim and purpose of the study of English language and composition in school is to equip boys and girls to use their vernacular readily and accurately in the cultured circles of the world into which they are graduated. Schools have taught English a long time. Many of us are "set" in our ways of teaching; we have always done it thus and so, and our emotions respond quickly when a change is suggested. Let us all agree on an attitude of truth seeking-truth seeking even when it hurts. There is no progress possible to a closed mind. Neither, of course, is there sane progress attainable by the mind which with mad enthusiasm seizes unthinkingly upon every proposed innovation. Let us maintain the happy medium.