Cancelled Classes

Two years ago, my daughter's school changed administration. They have decided to cancel all of the Family & Consumer Sciences classes. These courses had been electives and the reasoning was that they didn't feel they full utilized the teacher's skills nor was their enough interest by the students to continue to offer them.

I don't know about the rest of the world, but when I was in high school, "Home Ec" was a required class for all the girls. Now, in many of the local high schools, it is required for all the students. If nothing else, many of these classes could be combined into a "Home Ec" type program and offered to the students. Frankly, I think these are many skills that the students should have. If nothing else, they should know how to hem a pair of slacks or budget their finances. They offer Health (mandatory by the State) for a full semester, five days a week, and, because, the school is on "blocks" all classes last 80 minutes.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
ELECTIVE: Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Designed for young women who may want to be parents or just want satisfying interactions with other people's children. While focusing on the decisions and roles of parenthood, the student learns about promoting healthy, positive relationships that support and encourage a child's growth. The cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs of the child are studied from conception through adolescence. (NOTE: on the upside, this course utilized the computerized "babies" so that the students get a chance to have a baby for three days. These "babies" have been transferred to the Health department and the students will have this exposure. Great fun.)

CLOTHING I
ELECTIVE: Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Fundamental principles of garment construction on sewing machines using commercial patterns along with basic hand sewing techniques and needlecrafts, such as embroidery, cross-stitch, appliqué or quilting will be taught. This course surveys the history of American clothing and the fashion industry and provides information about textile fibers, the principles and elements of
design, and wardrobe coordination.

CLOTHING II
PREREQUISITE: Clothing I
ELECTIVE: Grades 10, 11, and 12
Advanced principles of garment construction and home decorative items using both sewing
machines and overlocks/sergers. Tailoring techniques and advanced stitchery will be taught along with exploration of careers in fashion, textiles, and clothing.

HOUSING & INTERIOR DESIGN
ELECTIVE: Grades 10, 11, 12
Focuses on residential housing in historic and modern America. Construction, financing, and future technological developments for consumer living units are studied. Students will be planning interior spaces, coordinating color, materials and furniture selection, room arrangement, storage, textiles, lighting, and accessories, while applying the principles and
elements of design with consideration for ergonomics, economic, and social factors.

LIFE MANAGEMENT
The study of consumer issues and personal finance for individuals and families.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT
ELECTIVE: Grades 11 and 12
Promoting wellness and life-long learning across the woman’s life cycle and focusing on healthy lifestyles that encourage the wholeness of person – nutrition, cooking, exercise, stress management, meditation, religion, and relaxation. Careers, family issues, and resource management (time, money, and talents) will be explored.

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So, I think I will sign Lindsey up for sewing at the local Joann's. Bah humbug and all that other stuff.