The last vestiges

 Quite a few years ago, I saw a book entitled 'Grammar is Important -- A Basic Course' in a second-hand bookstore.  Naturally, I had to have it.  First published in 1947 by Irwin Publishing, it is a handbook and lesson planner for elementary school teachers.  As the forward outlines:

"From many educational, social and business groups in all parts of the country has come the demand that students entering secondary schools have a good knowledge of English grammar, including correct usage.  A knowledge of English grammar is recognized as a prerequisite to satisfactory work in English composition and literature.  Its usefulness in social intercourse and in business goes without saying."

Ah, were it only thus today.

This handbook contained what the author deems only the basics, but were students today to grasp even half of what it contains, they'd actually be able to put a proper sentence together.  Each chapter focuses simply on one part of speech, for example verb tenses, classes of conjunctions, simple sentences or such current mysteries as subject, predicate, modifiers and sentence analysis.   

Up until the late sixties, you learnt grammar by the end of grade eight.  Entering high school, you were expected to know it, so it wasn't even on the curriculum.  Instead you began studying English literature.  Not today, as we all know.  Very few people can write properly.  In fact, the main reasons I was promoted and given tasks outside my specific area were because I could write.  

By my analysis, I think what happened is in the fifties and sixties we finished high school and then went to a trade school, or a university.  Those wanting to be teachers or nurses took other training; in the case of teachers, they went to Normal School (now teachers' colleges).  But starting in the early seventies, a few smartie pant'es decided to introduce teaching and educational courses in universities, where graduates got a B.A. in this discipline.  But by then, grammar had gone out the window in elementary schools, so even those with BAs in education were functionally illiterate.  What wonder is it that so few can write?!  

Here is that dear, little book: