re: Why isn't farming and gardening a required course for school kids?

Shop Class as Soul Craft

This is an excellent article that was made into a book. I heard the author on radio some years ago, now, and he makes a compelling case.

quote:

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"Life Skills" should be a required class. Basic econ/finance, small engine troubleshooting, how to jump start a car and change a tire, basics of home systems (gas, water, electric). Serious harm can be avoided by having a basic understanding of these things.

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I agree with this, as well. Adults always bemoan the shortcomings of their children's generation, but with the shift of almost all high schools to "college prep." which is now their selling point, so Lord forbid kids DON'T try to go to college...since that's the "goal."

I worked at an elite, independent school in greater New Orleans, and one student decided she wanted to go into the Air Force. Lord, have mercy, hearing administration, especially development and admissions, and the high school faculty, you'd think she wanted to become sewer worker. It messed up their admissions percentage, and iiiiiiick, military....h.s. faculty seriously discussed protesting the recruiter coming onto campus.

My son had his sophomore interview at his Catholic, college prep. school on Tuesday. He recommended Aux Arc's ideas, almost verbatim in the interview.