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Children can be taught the basics of drawing without any philosophy of realism versus abstract. We teach them the alphabet and reading and writing basics. They are then free to read and write as they wish after they learn the basics. Why can't we just give them fundamentals of drawing when they learn cursive, so that they can realize that they have an instinctive, common, human ability to draw. When they realize that, they can go in any direction. But without the basics, children are robbed of choice. Why bother with crafts, crayolas and crappy water paints? They will learn nothing from that stuff.
My art training began when I was seven. Pencil. Watercolor. (The real stuff, not just colored paste.) Oil.
How long? I think that kids can start learning graphite at age seven, should be painting watercolor by age ten. By middle school, they should be experimenting with three-dimensional mediums, after having a strong and consistent drawing background. High school age should be specialized studies in sculpture, oils, or other medea. The problem is, there are so many methods of drawing, and so many experts. Who is to say what is the "primary method"?
Cost? We can afford whatever we really want. Art specialties can be taught via the computer or DVD by masters like yourself at a very low cost.
I have created two CD-ROM instructional videos myself. It was fun and has convinced me that this is a good way to teach a larger group of students. It places the lesson in perfect proximity to the student, allows them to pause and rewind better than VCR lessons, and there are computers already in every school.
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