In a quickly developing learning environment, the importance of teaching life skills in schools has become minimal across the country.
Advanced Placement classes and a shift in focus towards college preparation have contributed to a decreased emphasis on skills that are useful in the home or in a vocational setting. Home Economics (Home Ec) classes have become less relevant, and even vanished in some school districts.
At Northview, we no longer offer a home economics course. In 2012, there were 3.5 million students enrolled in home economic courses in the United States, indicating a decrease of 38% over the last decade. Coincidentally, 2012 is the year Home Ec was no longer offered at Northview. The lack of enrollment across the country could be attributed to a variety of factors.
One of the reasons for diminishing participation in classes could be the “home ec teacher” stigma, coming from the common assumption that this class teaches skills for homemakers. This may have deterred female and male students from participating.
“Society couldn’t get over the stereotype of the home economics teacher,” Gayla Randal, educational and program consultant for the Kansas State Department of Education said.
But I think it is related to the increasing variety in academic classes at high schools.
The pressure to enroll in difficult classes is present each year for students and that comes from a variety of factors. Parents and counselors can intensify this pressure.
Personally, I have little to no room in my schedule for non-academic courses— the primary reason being the anxiety felt from having “easy” classes appear on my transcript.This pressure ultimately deterred me from taking classes that may have taught me important life skills.
As someone who has been adamant about attending a four-year university, I was under the impression that a packed schedule would improve my chances. Now, after four years of very tough classes, I wish I had known more.
I did not take the time to consider the importance of knowing how to manage a home, and more importantly, how to take care of myself.
That being said, many of the tasks taught in home ec are useful regardless of where someone goes after high school, and should be included in a students schedule if they hope to live successfully on their own.
A list of the many skills traditionally taught in a home economic class:
Being prepared for college—if that is your plan—is incredibly important. However, it is equally important to be prepared to face daily challenges inside your home.
For many, common household skills are not practiced until we reach adulthood and must obtain them. This also means that we are not taught why it is important to pick up after ourselves, or which home improvements can be done to save money.
Acquiring these skills early on in life offers more opportunities to practice and then to master. Instilling the routine of tidying up at a younger age promotes a lifelong cleanliness.
Additionally, participating in home economics may introduce a student to an unknown talent or passion they have, inspiring a future career. Exploration in some careers is not always easily accessible for students. There are some external opportunities for students who would like to explore various careers but, in the Grand Rapids area, there are not many opportunities.
For example, the Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC) offers a Hospitality Program, as well as Culinary Arts, but an interdisciplinary program including many Home Ec skills is not available.
While students have opportunities to explore the workforce prior to graduation, some students may be leaving high school without many skills necessary to take care of a home and themselves
Home Ec offers many opportunities to explore different pathways, and to develop a strong confidence with at home skills, which can greatly benefit a teenager by preparing them for their coming independence.
