This paper investigated modern-poetry education in middle and high school during the 5th~7th national curricular periods. In these periods, national education and literature education system, which used the term ``function`` in modern-poetry education in different ways, had some influence on the modern-poetry education. The modern-poetry curriculum as the system of national education attempted to provide students with the knowledge which could be used to read poems fluently. In this case the term ``function`` referred to skills. Texts and learning activities in textbooks, however, used the term ``function`` as the influence of literature. Literature education has aimed different goal in school education. Discrepancy in the use of the term ``function`` resulted from different goals set by different systems. This inconsistency caused some confusion in classrooms. Therefore, research into a comprehensive use of the term ``function`` is requested. Additionally, the function of reading and writing poetry should also be considered.