Well, as I've said before, I opted out of cursive in grade school in 1959 and got away with it by demonstrating my preternatural printing speed to my 6th grade teacher at my desk, at her request. I remember the moment. They aren’t gonna be teaching Shakespeare or Beowolf anymore.
This, to me, is a different matter. Although I do have to admit I never read Beowulf( ahem. )
... but Shakespeare! Well, you're going to learn about Shakespeare from our culture, at least at this point, but you just won't know that's what you're learning. Shakespeare is the Pierian Spring of our language, and it's surely a shame not to visit there.
Read Beowolf it’s pretty cool. Had to read it with my son recently for his class. (private school-homeschool model) She gave one creative project, one major exam , and two papers...he is only 12. We are really looking forward to a vacation!!!