Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words, well, words can kill …

To those who would claim that the study of literature is impractical, Probst would respond vehemently, “No, it is essential.” The habit of thoughtful reading, insightful questioning, and critical evaluation are learned in English language arts classes where a variety of genres, characters, and situations push students to analyze and debate and ultimately learn more about what they value and what they believe. It is this habit of mind that turns out citizens capable of analyzing public language and participating in a successful democracy.