Posted on Monday, 22nd February 2010 by Bill Bean
I think high schools need to get serious about helping kids prepare to be adults. Parents and family have the first responsibility, and I would toss in faith and similar communities, but if we’re going to have public schools and require attendance, let’s make them more effective.
My two big issues are health and money.
We, at least me and my high school buddies, made fun of those who were taking Consumer Math. This was a math class for those who couldn’t handle the advanced courses. We thought of it has, “How To Make Change For A Dollar.” Now I have a different opinion. I think consumer math should be required to graduate.
I got my first credit card at 19. In less than two months I was cutting it up and mailing it back. The credit card company was happy and I got to experience debt stress for the first time. My daughters regularly get fatherly advice about credit cards. Hopefully it will make the difference for them. I do hope the recent changes in the laws will make a difference.
With all the useless classes, and days spent watching movies and television shows (don’t get me started on that), couldn’t we squeeze in some serious education about budgeting, balancing bank accounts, and understanding credit & loans? I know there’s time. And, as far as I know, there shouldn’t be any moral or religious conflicts with regards to what should get taught (i’m thinking of sex ed).
That leads me to the health issue, or, more specifically, nutrition and fitness. Our kids , especially the older ones, need to learn about fitness; that they need to be active and help doing it. They spend time in PE and health classes learning about badminton and condoms, and those aren’t useless things, but what about basic nutrition and exercise principles? One lesson on the latest food pyramid at some point in elementary school isn’t enough. Perhaps this would be one of the most significant things we could do to address our health care crisis.
I don’t want to see our schools back off of advanced subjects, especially math & science, to make room for these. The U.S. is going to be in serious trouble in the coming generation, if we don’t improve the quality of students entering and coming out of college. However, we would still have serious trouble with hordes of brilliant young people unable to manage their finances or to get off the couch.
I don’t want my kids to be broke and fat their whole lives.
Posted in Personal | Comments (2)
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
ouch…well at least i’m going on 21 and don’t have a credit card yet!
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Erin, if that “yet” changes to anything else, you’re going to get an ear full from your uncle along with your dad.