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I think that there are 5 important subjects that need to be implemented into our school systems. As far as I know, there are not any schools that teach these 5 classes, but I feel very strongly that it should be manditory for every kid in america to have these subjects taught to them:
1. Finance: Learning how to budget your money, how to stay out of debt, how interest rates work, how morgages work, the dangers of credit cards, and the best ways to invest money.
2. Relationships: Learning what factors are needed for a healthy relationship and marraige.
3. Boundries: Learning how to handle peer pressure, bullies, stereotypes, racism, and what to do if you are faced with physical or sexual abuse.
4. Spirituality: Learning the fundamental differences of all the major religions of the world, philosophy of life, and having a chance to discuss paranormal experiences.
5. Life Exploration: Figuring out what unique skills we each have and how to apply those skills to future career ideas, finding your unique calling in life, and understanding the true meaning of happiness and what causes it.
If we designate one hour a day to teach one of those classes, then by the end of the week we could have all five classes. So each individual class would be an hour a week. Think how much better our lives would be if we had learned these things when we were younger!
Items 2-5 aren't the sort of things you can teach, everyone deals with those things in a different way. Thus what will be your basis for teaching a class in such things?
Also if you tried to make 4 a requirement you'd have people like me suing the school system.
The school systems need to teach more science and mathematics, that is what will make the US a better country.
Aren't parents responsible for teaching all of that too?
As a parent, I want to teach social/religious/moral issues based on my values, not the public school system's.
The public school should stick to the academics, mostly, imo. My 3rd gr daughter had just as many quizzes on fire safety/drug awareness and making friends so far this year in her gifted class, then she did in reading, spelling, math and science (in fact not one single quiz or test in science whatsoever...wondering how you receive a grade on that?)
I'm not saying those other issues aren't important. Some should be touched upon in school, but not given equal attention as the academic subjects, imo.
As a parent, I want to teach social/religious/moral issues based on my values, not the public school system's.
The public school should stick to the academics, mostly, imo. My 3rd gr daughter had just as many quizzes on fire safety/drug awareness and making friends so far this year in her gifted class, then she did in reading, spelling, math and science (in fact not one single quiz or test in science whatsoever...wondering how you receive a grade on that?)
I'm not saying those other issues aren't important. Some should be touched upon in school, but not given equal attention as the academic subjects, imo.
I absolutely agree with you here. I am having to teach the children...in FIRST GRADE...to say NO to drugs...and I mean to actually give lessons on it..I think that really should be a parent's job.
A lot of this material IS taught at many schools--heck, they were around when I was in high school. They usually fall under the heading of the Family and Consumer Science classes. They don't generally teacher spirituality since that is a pretty touchy subject in the US and schools. They have budgeting, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, etc. I know in our school the kids are required to take 2 courses from these types of classes for graduation. Have you check the high school course offerings in your area and are positive they are not being taught. Also, you can teach kids all kinds of stuff, it doesn't mean they practice what they are taught.
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