The constant pulling and tugging that has long taken place regarding so called 'core' and 'elective' courses is, and has been, one that not only shouldn't take place but it leads to harmful suggestions and actions.
Some 20 - 25 years ago a number of school districts started to end 'shop' programs (as if they weren't needed...that's a joke!!) Now other districts have either scaled back or are talking about shutting down/scaling back other so called electives such as Physical Education and Family & Consumer Sciences (use to be called Home Economics).
Let me make this as clear as possible. A full public education program in this country is needed and by a broad education I am including all curriculum programs such as Shop, Art, Family and Consumer Sciences, Music, Physical Education and more. The noise about electives somehow being subservient or less important or not needed is in a word garbage!!!
Yes, STEM and STEAM are vital but the other programs I've just referenced are just as critical to a comprehensive public education and clearly as vital in terms of development of the 'whole child.'
Dick
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