Mark, You raise a very good discussion topic and one that generates a lot of interest. I taught for a number of years in the inner city of Denver, CO so I can relate to what you are speaking to. My position was that I was teaching my students to enter into and be successful in a career field. As a part of my educational sharing I was going to hold them to the acceptable language standards of the profession. They might use slang or modified language but the end goal was the ability to express themselves in a professional manner. This was a challenge but when one of the graduates would return to school and share his or her story about the interview process and the securing of employment it showed the current students the value of being able to communicate effectively. (We also worked hard on dress, manners, and conduct.) Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.