It’s not a question of what is and is not important. It’s a question of the entry point.
No one is saying that analyzing complex arguments, understanding logic and being able to write well are not important. We’re just saying those aren’t worth doing for the sake of doing. We need better entry points.
You analyze complexity so you can form and articulate opinions on matters of the day. You understand logic so you can communicate clearly and effectively about topics that matter. You write so you can be understood by others.
Rather than saying “learn how to do this because you’ll get a grade, or get into college, or do better on a test.” The entry point needs to be more human.
By becoming a better human and caring about things, a good facilitator will naturally help you gain the skills you need. Not for the sake of having them, but because it will make your life tangibly better today.
That’s what I’m saying.
We need entry points that build on natural curiosity
Rather than saying “you are required to learn to read like x y z”