What else do you think should be taught.....,,,?

Question

at school. I believe that time should be added or set aside for some of the following. What would you add to this or change?
Basic first aid
Handling bank and credit card accounts
Mortgages
Child rearing and awareness
More effective birth control methods and sexual diseases
The effects of dangerous driving
Alcohol dangers
Handling death
Racial integration
Perhaps, youth should have to complete a compulsory type education on these matters prior to being allowed to leave school. Come on, what do you think.

Yes, I compiled the list quickly and there are other good ideas added by you lot. Perhaps Saturday morning attendance should be compulsory at these "life skill" classes. Some of these skills, to me, are more important than history, geography, etc. Yes, I know these are important but surely young adults need to know how to manage in the real world more effectively?.

Cooking, changing a fuse, very basic house maintenance, sewing repairs, etc? You decide.

Answer 1

effects of using illegal drugs
respect for others who are in different cultures
rearing children to become members of society
accepting responsibility for ones actions

Answer 2

I think the value of money and the 'debt spiral' should be taught. The figures speak for themselves. I am lucky. I have managed to stay out of debt through grit, work and determination. The problem is, it's offered to young ones on a silver platter and once taken in by the whole 'it doesn't matter if I can't afford it- I'll get it anyway bug' that's it! Poor little mites! They don't stand a chance with credit card applications and pre-selection forms arriving on their doorstep as soon as they hit so called adult hood. Great question, I think your ideas for what should be taught also hold a lot of ground.
Jay x

Answer 3

Speaking as a student in the educational field, many of these things are incorporated into curriculums already, although there may not be a specific class for each. For example, in high school health class, basic first aid, alcocol dangers, effects of dangerous driving (also drivers ed) handling death and birth control and sexual diseases are taught. Mind you, they may be only briefly focused on, but still at least mentioned (I think the birth control one would fit this mold nicely). As far as things like racial integration, it is the teachers job to create an environment of acceptance and community in the school. Many times, this is overlooked, but it should be a major focus in the classroom and the school environment in general. Concerning mortgages and handling money, some schools are fortunate enough the have the funding for elective classes concerning business law, accounting and bookeeping. Unfortunately, with laws like NCLB, many of these valuable elective classes are being replaced with extra math, science and literature/english courses, so as to improve test scores.
Another factor that is often overlooked concerning educaton in these elements is the parents. Many parents now-a-days don't spend time talking to their children, either because they are busy with their own careers, the topic is too uncomfortable or, in very sad but increasingly frequent cases, they just don't care. Although I didn't take a financial course in high school, my parents talked to my about how to handle money, different ways of investing, etc. I don't believe this happens too often anymore.
Another "fad" that may have since past is youth organizations such as girl and boy scouts. I know that is where I recieved my first aid and CPR training. I don't know how popular these groups are with kids anymore, but I always found it fun and recieved valuable ideas and lessons.
Anyway, long answer short, expanding the variety in education may not be the answer, but these are very important things to have in ones knowledge base.

Answer 4

Etiquette should also be taugh because children now a days aren't even taught by parents how to behave in public or how to dress properly, not to mention simple things like thankyou cards for appropriate occations etc... Your list is a great start. I also think if we approach religion in a way that is educational instead of spiritual it can also be added, because it should be studied. Also it would help us understand other peoples religions. It doesn't mean that we would be forcing any one religion on students. It would just teach them that it is there. Also marriage should be taught, too many divorces happen because people don't know how to behave.

Answer 5

I like your list but I would add on "social etiquette." Alot of kids these days have no concept of manners, politeness, or consideration and it would be nice to have a class that teaches these things as well as what happens to society when these things are ignored. It will also help them get ahead in life because proper behavior and politeness will make them more successful when working with others.

Answer 6

those are truly great ideas, but i'll be the devil's advocate here...

when are you going to find time to slip them into the school day (in the US anyways) with all of the federal and state mandated curricula that has come down from NCLB? feel like staying at school until 5 or 6 each night? used to be, when local districts actually had control, teachers could teach to what their students needed to learn. now with NCLB, they all have to teach what the state and the fed think are important... when was the last time the state OR the federal government made wise choices?

Answer 7

Yes I agree, especially with finacial help so many people do not know how to manage money and spend what they have not got. you are a wise young man. I think all these things should be taught as part of the curriculum as 'life living skills'.

Answer 8

i agree with everything esp the Sexual health bit, mine was a bit basic in school cause the teachers are afraid to make us feel uncomfortable,
but i say they should get stuck in with pictures, testimonies and 'scare-them-strait' style talks by doctors.

you forgot cooking lessons,
thats important too, you know the obesity thing thats going on right now

Answer 9

We can barely get kids out of our education system that can read and write (Yahoo Q&A is a testament to that). I think we should focus our efforts on basic education before we tackle racial tollerance and credit card responsibilty in our schools.

Answer 10

Judging by the younger generations qs and as on here, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and how to communicate without using text speak should already be taught but, isn't getting learnt. Drives me nuts!!