(04-17-2016 03:10 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  But if you're going to make requirements for people to graduate, at least make it stuff they'll definitely use in the future instead of blasse subjects that are just supposed to add culture to you like garnishment on a plate at a fancy restaurant.

Then it's impossible. Because there are people who never use computers for anything, yet you think it should be required.

If someone does not plan to ever vote should they learn civics.

I agree with you in principle. I just think that with 24-32 classes in HS throwing some background info at 9th graders like world history might be a good idea.

You're right too, however, as I said, more than anything arithmetic, some hard science as well as reading and writing are unquestioned essential subjects. Most of the rest, even if helpful and enlightening, are fluff especially with the gains in technology. That's why we should leave more of those open as electives rather than a one size fits all or even a few sizes fits all mentality.

(04-17-2016 07:32 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  You're right too, however, as I said, more than anything arithmetic, some hard science as well as reading and writing are unquestioned essential subjects.

By whom? and who there does not also think civics and history are not essential K12 subjects?

By me I suppose. You NEED to be able to add, subtract, divide, multiply and even a little basic algebra doesn't hurt. You NEED to be able to comprehensively read and write. Knowing some level of science, such as some things regarding biology for the sake of health and dealing with chemical compounds is very helpful.

As they say "those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it," but with that said it's possible to function in society without knowing what the Battle of Gettysburg is. It's possible to function without knowing who the Puritans and Pilgrims were. You can do just fine without knowing who Hannibal of Carthage was. If you don't know that stuff, people will look at you as if you're stupid or uncultured but it's still possible to function in society without knowing basic historical facts.

You may have a point about civics to a degree but history? As I said, it's already covered below the high school level and you have access to the library, book stores and of course internet search engines.

(04-18-2016 03:17 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  By me I suppose. You NEED to be able to add, subtract, divide, multiply and even a little basic algebra doesn't hurt. You NEED to be able to comprehensively read and write. Knowing some level of science, such as some things regarding biology for the sake of health and dealing with chemical compounds is very helpful.

As they say "those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it," but with that said it's possible to function in society without knowing what the Battle of Gettysburg is. It's possible to function without knowing who the Puritans and Pilgrims were. You can do just fine without knowing who Hannibal of Carthage was. If you don't know that stuff, people will look at you as if you're stupid or uncultured but it's still possible to function in society without knowing basic historical facts.

You may have a point about civics to a degree but history? As I said, it's already covered below the high school level and you have access to the library, book stores and of course internet search engines.

It's also possible to function without any science...

Yes and no. Plus, they're pushing everything online now, so it's increasingly more important to be computer savvy, even at a novice level. As I've said a billion times in thread, sorry to sound redunant, we need to emphasize math and English over everything else.

(04-18-2016 10:49 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  Yes and no

Yes and yes...

(04-16-2016 01:50 PM)QuestionSocratic Wrote:  

(04-15-2016 07:10 PM)olliebaba Wrote:  You're right, C2. I read posts from "college graduates" here on this site and I wonder how they managed to graduate. Horrible grammar.

Do schools teach sentence diagramming any more?

Oh, I hated that. I knew how to write the sentence but had such a hard time breaking it down. I passed it with a D.

I also submit that speech therapy is just as much of a necessity as reading/writing and math and would ask that it be required over history and even PE, though not everyone prioritizes exercise. So PE is underrated in my personal view.

(04-22-2016 01:50 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  I also submit that speech therapy is just as much of a necessity as reading/writing and math and would ask that it be required over history and even PE, though not everyone prioritizes exercise. So PE is underrated in my personal view.

My point is that it's not an either / or thing... There is time for both.

And yes I think courses in speaking and diction would be very important..

(04-22-2016 02:40 PM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  My point is that it's not an either / or thing... There is time for both.

And yes I think courses in speaking and diction would be very important..

My point is emphasis on the most important things you'll need in the real world. Make certain things required and leave the rest as electives such as history and literature, all dependent on the track you take.

(04-22-2016 02:43 PM)_C2_ Wrote:  

(04-22-2016 02:40 PM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  My point is that it's not an either / or thing... There is time for both.

And yes I think courses in speaking and diction would be very important..

My point is emphasis on the most important things you'll need in the real world. Make certain things required and leave the rest as electives such as history and literature, all dependent on the track you take.

Time for 32 classes in a HS career... 1 history is not going to break the bank.

I think Lit can be rolled into English..