A newly-graduated 20 year-old holds their own, tear-soaked face, in their shaky hands. Looking up, they see loads upon loads of paper, showing how much money this confused human owes the government, also known as taxes. Groaning, not understanding what to do, they think to themselves: “If only I had learned how to do this in school.” Unfortunately, this is a common thought to everyday Americans. Due to the outdated education system, Americans today still don’t understand the crucial necessities that you need to understand to survive in this world, such as personal finance, taxes, mortgage loans, and even mental health.
In a survey conducted by H&R Block, 89% of the 2,000 people who were surveyed, agree that life would be less troubling and much easier if they had learned practical skills in school. This just goes to show you how antiquated the “skills” being taught in school are. Shouldn’t children be taught skills that are actually used everyday instead of learning what the difference is between protons and electrons? But enough about the adults. What do kids that are currently students think about what they are being taught?
From a survey conducted by the nonprofit YouthTruth, it was found that 54% of middle schoolers believe what they’re being taught is relevant and useful, while just 46% of high schoolers think that what they are being taught is relevant and helpful. This is a major dilemma. Not only do postgraduate students believe the education system needs to change, but half of the present-day students in just one survey don’t even think what they’re learning is relevant.
Something must be done to save our future generations. The education system needs to start teaching students practical, everyday life skills. This could motivate and help upcoming generations have a less difficult life in the future. Don’t believe me? In the same survey conveyed by H&R Block, 2,000 Americans were forced to pick between two options; taking a customary calculus class or a tax preparation course. Just 13% of 2,000 Americans chose calculus class over the tax preparation course. Furthermore, only 17% of the 2,000 people stated they would prefer taking an algebra course over a household repairs class.
Yes, many people still believe that every generation should be taught the same topics as the previous generation, which is somewhat agreeable. However, times have changed. If we keep on teaching every generation the same thing over and over again, we’ll never advance as a country, or as a world. If schools don’t start teaching the future generations everyday life and practical skills, then they would be failing generation after generation, making the world a more complicated, confusing place.
