"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
This isn't an editorial about a news story.
We're not taking a stance on a headline.
This SpeakOut is a challenge.
Our next 60 seconds are for every parent and guardian listening.
What we're about to ask you to do might not feel natural, but we ask you try it anyway.
We'll explain our reasoning after you hear the request.
If you are responsible for any middle or high school student, please do the following three steps:
One -- sit that child down.
Two -- ask him to write you a letter. Doesn't matter about what. Tell him you just want a paragraph about whatever he wants to tell you.
Three -- take that paragraph and when he's gone, read it yourself.
What do you think?
Is this child on an appropriate level with English, grammar and overall communication?
Can he write?
Can she spell?
Can your child create a cohesive message?
We ask...because it has come to our attention the art of the written word is being lost.
And parents and guardians don't even know it's happening before their eyes.
Maybe texting is to blame.
Maybe it's short messages or chat rooms.
Maybe it's the schools.
But in the end, blame doesn't matter.
The point is our kids are failing and many middle and high-schoolers can't write a paragraph using capital letters and proper punctuation.
This is a call to action to you --
Check your child.
If she needs help, get it for her. From her school…from a tutor...from you.
Use this wake up call to alert yourself before it's too late for your child's future.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
