Les Perelman, expert in writing assessment and champion of writing education, dies at 77

March 2, 2026 - 19:40

Les Perelman, a passionate and influential figure in writing instruction, has died at the age of 77. A longtime faculty member and former dean at MIT, Perelman dedicated his career to advocating for the fundamental importance of writing in all fields of study.

His most enduring legacy is the creation of MIT’s "Writing Across the Curriculum" program, which revolutionized how writing is taught by integrating it into science, engineering, and humanities courses alike. He argued compellingly that clear communication is a core skill for every academic discipline and profession.

Perelman later gained national prominence as a fierce and articulate critic of automated essay-scoring software. He argued that such programs encouraged formulaic, soulless writing and failed to assess genuine critical thinking or creativity. His research and advocacy challenged the growing reliance on standardized testing and algorithmic assessment in education.

Colleagues and students remember him as a brilliant, witty, and deeply principled educator who believed in the power of the written word. His work leaves a lasting impact on how writing is taught, valued, and evaluated in educational institutions across the country.