Most Students Can Compute Calculus But Cannot Change a Tire

One of the biggest reoccurring issues with the current school system is the lack of practical skill being taught.




For over a decade high school students have commented on one of the biggest oversights of the United States education system, no practical or life skills classes.  This issue has only become worse as our academics focus more on STEM and English courses than Auto Shop or Home Education. This push for either STEM or English has left several high school graduates clueless and oblivious to important life skills.

Some of the most common life skills that these young adults wish they learned in school include: How to pay taxes, change a tire, home maintenance, cook, find an apartment or job, and network yourself.  Many of these skills could have been easily learned through taking classes.  Since most schools lack the funding for new programs, a majority of schools give handouts to students or provide students with a webinar to watch.  Handouts and webinars may be a start, but will not fix this growing issue.

Some parents and organizations have begun to object to school programs that teach life skills to students. Their main argument is "Parents should be the ones teaching their children how to act and behave like adults."  The statement does make sense as it is the parents' right to chose how to educate their children.  However, parents do not always have the time or the technical knowledge to teach their kids.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  50% of families have both of the parents employed.  When so many families have both parents employed, do they really have the time?

Thankfully schools and colleges are recognizing the need of these life skill courses.  Having pamphlets or videos is tremendously better than having nothing at all.  The value of these courses cannot be overestimated.