Poetry in schools.

[busker]

Yes, except for the "main" part.  English (or just own-language instruction) is hopelessly compromised today by ideology;

if the above is true, then why not teach poetry as a main and not as a subset. if we did wouldn't it enhance [english/language of country], would it it cut away some of the confusion. we have eng lit and english language. both are usually taught as non generic english, poetry is a craft, like woodwork or art. why can't we use the english class to aid the poetry class; it's what we do with math and science; two separate subjects that rely on each other to shine.

Good question, and I wish someone with actual teaching experience would comment.  My point was that, at the moment, *all* major non-STEM subjects are corrupted by ideology (in lieu of religion, which it more than resembles).  I was proposing a judo-like twist in which cultural relativity (current shiboleth) is turned against itself by recognizing a specific Quality (good poetry) of all cultures.  Even PBUH wrote some dynamite poetry, or so I'm told.

To do a proper job of teaching Poetry as a subject, though, would require a structure - Poetry Appreciation, Poetry Composition, Poetry Performance.  I got a little of that in prep school, a very little more in Bonehead English at university, then nothing since I was (what is now called) STEM track after that.

Use English to reinforce Poetry? Today's English departments probably think they're doing that by drudging out Frankfurt School interpretations of the great poets and fawning praise for junk by "out-group" authors.  It's not a bad idea, but the whole Education system would have to be reformed first.  (Sort of the way Sherman reformed Atlanta.)

I like the idea of teaching the poetry, or more generally, literature, of other languages. Alliteration and assonance abound more outside of the body of English poetry than inside. And it also helps develop a level headed respect for other people who don’t look like you.
But that’s in the ideal world. In the real world, where poetry at that age is gay, only haiku and rap will sell.