Chuck the books, study advertisements.

As I spend way too much time reading the comments sections of online newspapers, I am fully aware that Something Needs to be Done about education in simple grammar, spelling, punctuation and coherent thought.  I'm not sure, though, if this is it.

From the Times Online:

Teenagers could soon be able to pass an English exam at GCSE level without having to read a single novel, poem or play.

Instead of studying the canon of English literature, they would study practical use of the language. This could include the use of English in travel brochures or marketing material.