Fact from Fiction: A Critical Distinction
There is a basic distinction in writing that, in most curricula, receives far less attention than it deserves. It is the distinction between narrative (i.e., fiction) and expository (i.e., information) text. From grade one on, when reading is assigned, it is typically narrative material. Even in high school, the emphasis on this type of text continues. Almost all of the required books entail fiction.
This happens, even though, mastery of expository text is critical to school success. It is the foundation of subjects such as social studies and science. It is also ultimately the type of text that people most commonly have to deal with in their adult lives. It is almost impossible to become an informed citizen in the absence of the knowledge that can be gained only via expository text.
Schools, like other bureaucracies, are typically slow to change. However, parents who are committed to their children's success, are not constrained in this way. Those who are seeking guidance in this realm will find it useful to go to The Concord Review at http://www.tcr.org/--a site devoted to the pursuit of academic excellence in secondary schools.
