For many young people, public school may be the only shot at learning skills that can result in gainful employment. While college is a possibility for many, it is not always feasible for all young people. Therefore, public schools should teach skills that will benefit students, whether they aspire to higher learning or whether they move straight into the workforce after high-school graduation.
Interpersonal Communication
One of the most important skills we can teach in public schools is how to relate to people. In many work settings, employees are expected to function as members of a team. In those circumstances, projects require the input of each team member, and each one is expected to pull his or her own weight. People with poor communication skills or the inability to get along with others will not last long in this type of environment. These skills can be taught in almost any class where collaborative learning or a team approach to learning is used. Students can engage in special projects that permit them to gain experience working together, discussing issues and finding solutions to problems.
Written Communication
Another skill that should be taught in public school is good written communication. Adults who grew up in an era where handwritten letters and thank-you notes were the norm had every opportunity to practice their writing skills. Nowadays there are far less of these opportunities in daily communication, making in-school instruction and practice a must.
Basic Engineering
Students would benefit from exposure to engineering-related courses. Many schools today are focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to help young people who may be interested in entering fields like engineering to get a jump-start on the skills needed to be successful in college engineering classes. Math courses, such as geometry and calculus, are the foundation for engineering. Some schools are thinking outside of the textbook and offering courses like robotics and rocketry that provide hands-on experience in technology. Kayla Wagner, who recently completed her online Electrical Engineering Master’s degree, says courses like these were what inspired her to pursue further STEM education. Participating in these hands-on opportunities can help a child from any background develop an interest in majoring in a STEM field.
Nutrition
Personal health is another subject area that will provide lifelong benefits any young person. With the growing emphasis on testing in classrooms, children are not participating in recess or physical activity as school children did in the past. Unless they take a course as an elective, some students may not get nutrition education as part of the high school curriculum, because it does not fit into college preparatory curriculum. However, with the number of people developing nutrition-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension, proper nutrition education is more important than ever. All students need at least one course that teaches them how to eat healthy to avoid these chronic diseases and health complications.
Financial Management
Last but not least, young people need to learn how to handle money. With so many people in debt worldwide, it is important for the younger generations to receive better money management instruction than some of the past ones did. Learning to handle finance early can help future adults avoid the pitfalls of easy credit.
