Which Subjects Should Be Taught in School...But Aren't?

on June 12, 2009 at 11:40 AM

which subjects should be taught in school In his "Advice to High School Graduates," a New York Times writer talks about the fact that schools don't focus on teaching kids to be truly happy, but rather only prepare them for decisions that will make them only "marginally happy."

For example, classes and instruction are focused on helping young people to choose careers, make money, and achieve status. Sure, these are all necessary to get by in society. But do these help kids to be happy?

What about the areas of life that have a bigger impact on happiness? Why are there no classes for making and keeping friends, choosing a spouse or partner, or controlling one's impulses? Young people are pretty much left alone to figure these things out for themselves.

The writer makes an interesting point about the holes in curriculum when it comes to some life lessons. But I wonder if school is the appropriate place to learn about these intimate relationships and topics.

What do you think? When it comes to your own kids, are there any subjects you think they should learn in school but don't?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: education

Comments (15)

LelandsMommy

on Jun 12, 2009 at 12:44 PM

I think those classs would be awesome for high school students! Adults spend hundereds and even thousands on seminars and counciling to learn those lessons!

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aurorabunny

on Jun 12, 2009 at 1:02 PM

English is supposedly taught in public schools but for some reason half of the kids coming out of highschool don't seem to be able to read, write or speak properly so perhaps we need more emphasis on that.

I would love it if the schools had REAL, informative and comprehensive sex education classes as well.

science_spot

on Jun 12, 2009 at 1:03 PM

MORE science!!!! In high school we were required to take Earth Science and Biology and that is it. Obviously I took everything they offered, but there needs to be MORE SCIENCE for students who don't plan to major in science in college.

By more science, I specifically mean understanding the basics of medicine, drugs, environmental science, and how basic research is done.

Cafe MicheleZ

on Jun 12, 2009 at 3:50 PM

Spelling -- more focus on spelling is difeniteley needed.

Note: I spelled definitely wrong on purpose.

NHartsing18

on Jun 12, 2009 at 6:40 PM

How to keep good FINANCES!!! Learn about credit cards, debt, savings, BUDGETING, and so on!!! I took a SOC class on Courtship and MArriage in college that had a section on finances but I still would love to take a whole class on this.

RanaAurora

on Jun 12, 2009 at 6:57 PM

I agree with the suggestions already made.

There are some REALLY basic things that I'm appalled, disgusted and SHOCKED to see that aren't common... like understanding that more money going out than coming in is BAD, what a statistic is and how your individual experience doesn't negate statistics, the ability to read, comprehend and write words like "negate", and even just basic knowledge of the function of the human body.
Cafemom is proof to me every day that people are frighteningly uneducated in things that are really just that basic.

LokisMama

on Jun 12, 2009 at 7:33 PM

The one class which should be required in high school: BASIC CAR MANTINENCE! You should not be allowed to own a car without knowing at least how to check the oil, check the tire pressure, change a flat if need be, change the oil, and change the air filter. Just basic mantinence. When I was working for AutoZone, you wouldn't believe how many teenage guys I had come in looking for oil for their car and didn't even know where to put it!

AngelBeBlue

on Jun 13, 2009 at 12:51 PM

Problem is as a parent, it is our job to teach our kids these things. The are called life skills. Teachers are supposed to teach academics and we as parents are supposed to teach our kids how to integrate these topics into a fulfilling and positive life.

on Jun 13, 2009 at 12:52 PM

Oops, Typo. They are called life skills.

madamekatekate

on Jun 13, 2009 at 5:26 PM

I agree wholeheartedly about English programs. It's disgusting how children are talking now.

I also think in high schools where there is so much focus put into college preparation and life-after that there ought to be some kind of focus on teaching the kids who don't go to college about being successful in the real world. Yes, it would be ideal that every child go to college but some just won't. That's just a fact. And those kids leave high school and don't even have basic interview skills. It just seems to me if you're willing to help prepare the college bound students by giving them the ample resources then you ought to be able to create a program for the kids who have decided not to go to college to help them succeed in a life that doesn't involve higher education.

I also agree with real, comprehensive sexual education programs. If you're going to offer any sort of class about it, it ought to be a good one.