The High School Dilemma

My eldest daughter is entering high school this fall. When I was in school, the girls were required to take Home Economics and the boys had to take "Shop." There was no choice; you just took the course for your sex.

You'd think that times would have changed by now. And in one respect, they have--just not for the "smart" kids. You see, my daughter is an honors student, which means she is in the college track at high school. Most every course is already decided for her, except for a scant few electives, none of which include Shop or Home Ec. Why not? It seems that these courses are only available in the technical track. So if you don't plan on going to college, you can take your choice of Home Ec or Shop. (Or whatever their names are now.) But if you plan to attend college, you're out of luck.

Excuse me, but wouldn't it be a good thing if all teens--boys and girls--were taught some basic home management skills? Shouldn't everyone know how to sew on a button, mend a hem, or cook a simple meal? Shouldn't everyone know how to replace a water faucet washer, use a screwdriver and drill, and hammer a nail? Young adults living on their own need to know these basic skills, and woe unto you if you don't have a handy parent or friend to help you out! (I'm speaking from experience here!)

At the very least, the schools should allow students of any track to take these courses as electives.