A life 101 class would be extremely beneficial, and I think it should have been enforced long before now. I can't count how many times people have been clueless about current news or things that are imperative to daily living. Leaving 8th grade, there were a few students who didn't fully understand what taxes were. Taxes are vital even when you're working in high school. Not only that but students are clueless as to what's going on with our country, from war to presidents and corrupt politicians. 50% of students do not know why we are even in Iraq and why troops are or are not coming home. I think that a Life 101 class should include current affairs, most definitely and importantly. Stocks and taxes should also be included, and procedures on how to appropriately approach them.
Current affairs are necessary because students, by the time they are 18, they are able to vote. I think voting is very important, and these students should be educated and fully understand what is going on so that they can vote according to who they believe is the best candidate and why. The economy is not currently in the best position and students need to know why. Unemployment, gas prices, etc. are all issues that will eventually affect them. The are people who are being severly discrimated against, crime is getting higher in certain areas, and people are completely unaware. Stocks are also important to invest in because they can provide a better income. Taxes need to be understood, and properly executed because there can be consequences if not. Also, there are mortgages, loans and investments to understand. There are accounting classes but they are offered as electives rather than enforced classes. Students also need to learn about themselves. These required courses offer nothing to the undivudual, only electives might. High school is a time where students are doing some sould searching, and Life 101 should provide some guidance.
Your idea to teach a Life 101 course about current affairs and what students will experience when entering the 'real world' is absolutely crucial. Yes, the maths, sciences, and arts are apart of a solid education, but, life goes much deeper than simple equations in Math or terms in Science. While they help you get in to a college and are beneficial when you get in, you are still uneducated on what you will experience once you leave home and start life on your own. While these experiences form your character and teach you valuable lessons, it would not hurt to be somewhat educated on taxes, as you speak of and other things such as budgeting and managing time. If given this opportunity I believe fewer mistakes would be made and students would be more prepared for this next stage in their lives.
As for issues occurring in our world today, such as the war in Iraq and other political issues in our country today, it is also important in my opinion for students to be informed about them. Living in a democracy and about to become adults, it is a privilege to live in a free country and learning about our surroundings is vital when living your own life in America. It is time to end ignorance, and I believe a class called Life 101 filled with these topics would definitely benefit high schools all around the country.
Posted by: rachel mowery | 12/05/2010 at 05:19 PM