I love literature as much as the next person, and the Pythagorean theorem is useful somewhere I'm sure. There are a few things, though that I believe are essential to our children's education that are being overlooked and undervalued. Here are a few things that I would like to see taught in the public educations system.
1. Personal Finance (2 Parts)
This is something that was somewhat offered in my high school. However, I don't feel as though it was effectively taught. We went briefly through a Dave Ramsey curriculum and then jumped into the stock market. While the stock market and investing is important, building a budget, saving, and avoiding debt is way more helpful to someone about to be tossed into the real world. Ideally, this could be taught one semester on budgeting and saving and building good credit, and a second semester on investing, taxes, and making big purchases.
2. Personal Fitness + Nutrition
My high school also offered a personal fitness course. However, it is highly unlikely that I would casually start a game of corporate dodgeball, therefore it would have been nice to learn about actual ways of maintaining physical fitness after graduating. Different exercise classes (yoga, kickboxing, pilates, etc.), at home exercises, exercise that can be done in an office chair. That would be helpful. Nutrition courses would also be so useful! For example, students should be taught to prepare healthy, low-budget meals while you're in college.
3. The College Application and Financing Process
While not all students go on to 4-year colleges out of high school, many do. I went into my freshman year of college so blindly, I was terrified. I applied to two colleges. I got into both, I made my choice, and then I applied to receive thousands of dollars in debt that I didn't understand. Making the process clear and simple is so important for students during arguably the most stressful time of their young adult lives.
4. Government + Politics
I had a pretty good government class at my high school, and I am really thankful for that. However, I do think that students should be given the opportunity to learn about their own political values. While it is essential that we learn about how a bill becomes a law (thank you Schoolhouse Rock), it is also essential that we don't go out into the real world mad about things that we don't understand. It's ideal for students to build a solid foundations of values and passions that can help them form educated opinions and make intelligent political decisions.
5. Etiquette + Social Skills
This. Is. So. Important. Why are our students not being taught to hold valuable conversations? In an age of technology, America's youth are becoming socially illiterate. I think it's important for students to learn how to entertain guests, hold conversation at a gathering, attend corporate meals and events without sounding like a nincompoop (high five to me for successfully spelling nincompoop correctly on the first try).
6. The Job Search, Application, Interview and Hiring Process
Can I get an amen? If it weren't for my OPTIONAL high school marketing and DECA classes I would have been clueless regarding the hiring process. Hopefully, every high school student will at some point apply for and obtain a job. There is no reason that these courses shouldn't be taught in schools.
I am eternally grateful for my education, and I value it more than just about anything. I don't take for granted the fact that I am able to receive an education (as a woman especially). I do however, believe in the importance of improving and reforming our education system. Children and students become the adults that will make a difference in the world. Let's make it a little easier on them.
