Have the Elements and Principles lost their importance?

Today in our department meeting, we discussed the possibility that the elements and principles need not carry as much weight in our lessons and lesson planning. Perhaps they are no longer the "building blocks" of art?
I've never seen the elements of art and principles of design as the building blocks of all art projects. I've seen them as a little collection of tools and language that, as artists, we can draw from to help us. They can help us improve our own art and ideas. They can help us discuss our art and the art of others. They can offer inspiration when we are stuck. They can be a way of breaking down art in to smaller parts.
Its best to teach these, in my opinion, almost as a side conversation. Sneak them in without students knowing. Get students to really SEE them in historical pieces and in works of today. Encourage them to use them to discuss, inspire, and make sense of more complicated concepts such as; layering, juxtaposition, and metamorphosis.
Its always more important to get the students to ask WHY, then WHATt? It pushes them further. Why did this artist limit their palette? Not, what colours did she use? Do you see the difference? Do you hear the difference in the richness of this conversation?
Improving art teaching does not need to start with more complicated words, but with a deeper understanding of why we are teaching the lessons we teach and HOW do we engage and motivate all students in the process.