We have the same situation out here, Master of None. Last year in 5th grade, ds wrote more than 35 reports and essays, in additions to 5 speeches and 5 power point presentations. He had an amazing teacher.

This year in 7th grade he has written two reports.

Two years ago when dd was in this middle school, the students were writing in every class including P.E. Why? Because the state mandated writing tests and our district's scores are shameful. Most of these so-called writing samples were peer reviewed. The others were never returned and dd received zero feedback.

The writing frenzy stopped this year because the state cut the tests due to budget restraints.