I agree that instilling/reinforcing the thrust for knowledge is both vital to survive in our culture and is lacking in our public school system. Equally important is the fact that book smarts and fact memorization doesn't always equate to street smarts.
I also think the relationship stating that high schoolers, with the inability to balance their checkbook equates to the need for harsher math and science curriculum's, is an apples + oranges = solution equation. My barber told me the most life preparing class he took in high school was one that was never offered to me (we have about a 30 year gap in our high school years) was a optional math class in simple things like how to quickly round and add up groceries, tips, balancing checkbooks, etc.
In my time in grad school and high school we abandoned doing "typical and useful" math training in Jr High. From then on it was a requirement to have a graphing calculator (which I no longer have on my person at all times) during all math and math related classes. Frankly I beg to differ that science and trig/calc have anything to do with budgeting yourself, financial management, banking options, retirement planning, etc. I there should be a final required math class in high school. A refresher of, back to the basics, math and fundamental financial life practices/habits.
More Math and Science...
I agree that instilling/reinforcing the thrust for knowledge is both vital to survive in our culture and is lacking in our public school system. Equally important is the fact that book smarts and fact memorization doesn't always equate to street smarts.
I also think the relationship stating that high schoolers, with the inability to balance their checkbook equates to the need for harsher math and science curriculum's, is an apples + oranges = solution equation. My barber told me the most life preparing class he took in high school was one that was never offered to me (we have about a 30 year gap in our high school years) was a optional math class in simple things like how to quickly round and add up groceries, tips, balancing checkbooks, etc.
In my time in grad school and high school we abandoned doing "typical and useful" math training in Jr High. From then on it was a requirement to have a graphing calculator (which I no longer have on my person at all times) during all math and math related classes. Frankly I beg to differ that science and trig/calc have anything to do with budgeting yourself, financial management, banking options, retirement planning, etc. I there should be a final required math class in high school. A refresher of, back to the basics, math and fundamental financial life practices/habits.