Oops. Fundamental knowledge*. Not sure why I added the "to" in there.

I agree! Not that other subjects aren't important but many kids will never need to know much of the advanced math, science, etc that they will learn. In the schools i've been to it's always been special needs kids who are taught things like how to write a check and other basic life skills to live on their own but the other students of the school often do not know simple things like how coupons or credit cards work.

78- Exactly. I work at a high school, and I try my best to teach basic knowledge skills to the students I work with. I am not a teacher (I work with 504 students) so I have the unique opportunity to converse with them in a non-authoritative way, and guide them as more of a friend; I discuss time management and other "common sense" subjects with them. I'm just hoping it helps!

Some of these basic life skills should be taught by the parent or guardian though. If a school were to try to teach everything, it'd be a 24-7 thing. When I was little and I wanted to buy something with my allowance, my mom took the time to teach me a lot of these things mentioned above. I was taught how to write checks and balance a check book by her at 15 when I got my first job. Yes, schools are under funded. But imo, parents are also not spending as much time teaching kids as they use to. Some would rather let entertainment outlets teach kids while they are the kids' friend instead of parent.

111- I completely agree that parents need to play a larger role in education. I talk to a lot of parents every day who are completely oblivious to what is happening with their child's schooling. Morally, however, just because I see a parent being lazy doesn't mean I won't try to impart my own personal knowledge on the student.

Rofl we sound old. Remember when both teachers and parents did their best to give the child a good start? ;) glad to hear some teachers still bust their rear to do so. :)

119- Haha, we do sound old. For me, sounding old is a hazard of working in education. I'm glad we have teachers to do, too. I work with a lot of teachers who will bend over backwards to help a student- it's awesome.