Week Eleven: A case for proper spelling

This week I read an article on NPR's website about an interview they did about whether or not proper spelling should matter anymore. The article was aptly tag lined Duz Prawper Speling Mader Nemor. I have to admit I was shocked that people were even considering getting rid of or loosening spelling and grammar rules. I think as future English teachers my peers and I were probably all a little shocked at reading this article. In both reading and writing, two core skills developed in an English classroom, spelling and grammar are the backbone. You cannot read or write a coherent piece of text without following the standards and rules of both of these English conventions. I think it would be impossible for a teacher or any other person for that matter, to read a piece of writing that did not follow the rules we have been taught in school. 
In the article Lee Simmons, a copy editor, argues that "standards are what make communication and understanding possible." In order to communicate effectively with your audience you have to use the standards and rules set in place for spelling and grammar to assure that everyone will understand you. Since we have all been taught the rules and standards through formal schooling we are all presumably on the same page. I agree with Simmons because I think there are so many variations in text language that we could never all be on the same page. To convey something as simple as laughter there are several variations including haha, hehe, lol, lmao, lmfao, and rofl. I am sure I have missed many more because text lingo is constantly evolving and changing. Even though I am a part of the millennial generation I still find myself confused at some of the new abbreviations that pop up in my inbox.
In addition I think the formality of standard English conventions are what display professionalism to others. Students need to learn the rules of spelling and grammar in order to succeed in higher education and any future jobs. While text lingo is fine when communicating with friends you need to show that you are professional and intelligent when speaking with your boss, co-workers, or perspective clients. Teachers might soon become lax in their grading or spelling and grammar errors but I don't think it would be possible to affect change in the language used in professional settings like companies, law firms, or hospitals. It is unfair to our students to allow them to make simple mistakes now when they won't be allowed to in the jobs they apply for in the future.