Practical Skills & Progressive learning in Schools.

Argument: Practical skills such as balancing finances, communication, and progressive thinking should become part of the high school curriculum and a requirement for graduating seniors.

Though behind the claim: Our society is progressive. The high school students are our future, and we need them to be as knowledgeable as possible when they step out into the real world. Over 50% of Harvard graduates will create the jobs they take. We need more people in America to take on this challenge. With all the terrors of global warming, fears of foreign attack, and scarce amount of resources left to sustain our way of living, the next generation needs to be educated differently. While a normal education consisting of History, Math, Science, English, and Art does benefit individuals, it should not be the only subjects that are considered important. We need to teach more languages and stress the importance of world wide communication. Technology is becoming so incredibly advanced and we need to master the tools we have. Also, to solve our future problems, we need to find solutions now. And to do so, we need thinkers and leaders.

Reasons to teach practical skills: School is supposed to prepare you for the future. Honestly, how many jobs are going to rely on your knowledge of the 1812 war or your comprehension of The Scarlet Letter? Finances should definitely be taught in school since too many college graduates spend the next twenty years of their life in serious debt. Once you are independent from parents, students should be able to manage their own money, invest, and balance their checkbooks. Yet with the education we are getting now, there are countless individuals who have no clue how to keep their money in line, pay taxes, and not get taken advantage of by the smarter individuals or companies.

How we would progressively learn: Principle Alex Carter had the right idea when it came to twenty-first century learning. The students need to experience a hands-on education and be immersed in real life scenarios. The ISPs (Intensive Study Programs) were a great example of real world lessons, but they were only stressed four weeks out of the year. I am suggesting we incorporate these skills into at least one if not two periods a day. Currently, the debate class presents a great example of teaching social skills. Learning the key proponents of public speaking, intelligent arguments, and considering opposing positions will help individuals have success in the future with getting their ideas across. Also, life is full of conflicts, and knowing how to debate and win an argument gives people an advantage. Other aspects of progressive learning include: attending to the whole child, community, collaboration, social justice, intrinsic motivation, deep understanding, and active learning.

I am not trying to say “get rid of all the original classes.” I agree that history is important to know in order to refrain from repeating our mistakes and understanding how our country came to be. And for anyone who plans to go into the field of engineering, mathematics is extremely vital. Reading and writing well are both crucial skills to possess.

Arguments against: Academics form the foundation of higher education, and practical skills should be taught outside of school. These would be just another unnecessary class with no beneficial purpose. Progressive learning isn’t individual attention or memorization.

SORRY THIS IS SO LONG BUT I HOPE SOMEONE READS IT AND GIVES SOME OTHER ASPECTS OF MY ARGUMENT FOR/AGAINST. THANKS (: