we need [enter subject here] in our schools!

[StriderShinryu]

Add:
Philosophy - at least a year or two of required classes
More variety in the Sciences outside of just physics, chem and biology (and have a required science take the place of required higher grade math classes, see below)

Remove:
Higher Grade Math as a required class - seriously, why is this still a required class? Make it an elective and replace it's required status with something of merit like a science class. Those who want to take math as a required can then take physics, which actually has some purpose in the real world and contains a good bit of advanced mathematics. The majority of the population does not and will never use trig, more than basic algebra, calculus, etc. in real life. There is no reason this should be a required class when something like Philosophy, a class that most people would actually find interesting and would honestly benefit everyone, isn't even offered as an elective in many high schools.

 

[Super Shell]

"We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster. We might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later this combustible mixture of ignorance and power is going to blow up in our faces." -Carl Sagan
I suggest a technology/computer science class as a mandatory class (where I come from it is not mandatory, only optional, I'm not so sure about other state's and countries' views on this). The significance of computers to our lives is increasing every day with computers becoming more mobile and widespread. With only a small percentage of the population understanding them, then, like the quote said, it's going to blow up in our face. Probably literally.

 

[DoctorNick]

Well, if and when I have kids I plan to home school them so this is all a little moot to me.

Having said that, the major change I would make to the school systems is that starting in about 9th grade or so each student would choose a 'major' of sorts and that each semester they'd take a couple technical classes relating to it. Then, when they graduate they'd not only get a high-school diploma but also the equivalent of a two year technical training certification. This way regardless of if they decide to go to college or whatever the case may be they will always have a professional trade they can go into or fall back on.

This would also fulfill the dual purpose of giving students more interesting things to take, like machine shop, welding, carpentry, horticulture, mechanics, etc.

 

[PrimoThePro]

I'd say some form of martial arts, likely junior high or later.

Some form of self defense and discipline anyway.

this makes most sense, considering everyone could do well with a bit more self defence.
(my high school does it for 2 days in gym. probobly not enough time.)

 

[DSEZ]

martial arts,a actually gym class,longer gym class,let ipods be used in school as long as teachers arent talking

 

[Wildrow12]

I would be pleased as punch if they introduced Genre-Specific Literature classes.

Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, etc. People complain that kids don't read enough...well, give them something worth reading!

Why read Pride and Prejudice, when you can read The Mountains of Madness?

 

[Wildrow12]

How to treat a woman!!!1one!1! omg!!.

Agreed. But may I make a suggestion?

"How to treat a male 101"

"Lesson 1: Cross-Gender Communication or 'We're not psychics. Please don't expect us to GUESS why you're angry'. "

 

[Simalacrum]

Interactive Sex-Ed.

Hey, if you're gonna be telling them it's a-okay to fuck whenever they want to, might as well teach 'em how it's done!

well... I guess it would be useful to get people to know which way you put a condom on...

 

[ultrachicken]

Meh, I'm okay with the subjects in my school. Except for gardening. Learning how to use obsolete equipment to complete the GARDENER'S CHORES should not be considered a school subject!!!

 

[Nouw]

WWII. The soldiers life. Video Games. The list goes on...

 

[Pegghead]

Zombie survival. Seriously think about that, a course that would encompass first-aid training, firearms practice, survival skills, logical thinking and strength training all under a medium many kids would be interested in. Plus every so often in order to learn the basics of a zombie apocalypse in class they'd have to watch all the classics like brain dead, evil dead (I guess Furburts in now), shaun of the dead, 28 days later...

 

[ProfessorLayton]

We need relevant intelligent conversations instead of reading a couple of pages from a book and then assigning work related to the pages. People say school is meant for learning, but the only thing I've learned in high school is the many uses of the f word and that I'm probably a racist.

 

[AlchemicalGod]

Either Philosophy, Or Biochemisty. or maybe Virology?

 

[Acier]

More room, and a bridge going over the highway that provides an entrance to our parking lot.

Seriously, our schools is so fucking overcrowding it's a fire and health hazard, and 2 kids have been hit crossing the street, one died. There's no room for parking so most kids park in the little residential streets nearby, clogging traffic and causing more accidents.

seriously, fuck the families who try to "sneak" their kids into my school because they think it's awesome. My family lives in the district by the skin of its teeth for my education and now it's being fucked over because people are terrified of the "ghetto".

as for classes, no. we have a great educational program. Which contributes to the problem stated above.

Psychology would be awesome, but I doubt most kids would appreciate it.

Wrong, AP psych is probably the most popular elective at my school. honors Psych is popular as well for kids who can't afford a year long class and just have time for a semester.
i would suggest talking to your administration about it if you're an underclassman and want to take it in highschool. If you're an upperclassmen you can still ask them about it but you'll probably end up taking it at college anyways.

I would be pleased as punch if they introduced Genre-Specific Literature classes.

Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, etc. People complain that kids don't read enough...well, give them something worth reading!

Why read Pride and Prejudice, when you can read The Mountains of Madness?

I personally find that wholly unnecessary since I have read all of those genres in my normal Lit classes. If you like them so much read them on your own time. The point of English classes isn't to grade you on something you would have read anyways, it's to broaden your horizons and get you comfortable with other types of books you wouldn't have read on your own and to read literature with a deeper understanding (both in meaning and construction). Someone who will sign up for a genre specific class will already enjoy the genre, and will probably have read those books anyways. Therefore its a waste of money for the school.

and Pride and Prejudice as just as much (in fact probably more) merit than Mountains of Madness.

That and Austen's sarcasm is delicious.

Add:
Philosophy - at least a year or two of required classes

Baw, I'm sorry but this is a terrible idea. Not the Philosophy class but the 1-2 year requirement.
If your school doesn't have a Philosophy course (mine does, it's a semester long) or a Philosophy club, just wait until college.

Philosophy and highschool are a terrible mix.

 

[Beardly]

I would like to see a class that gives a basic overview of the major world cultures and religions. I think that would create a bit more tolerance.

 

[Tharwen]

Darwinism for schools that currently teach Creationism.

Also, a lesson where you learn about other countries, other cultures, and general global news and stuff.

 

[Random Argument Man]

I would like to see a class that gives a basic overview of the major world cultures and religions. I think that would create a bit more tolerance.

Sociology? I thought about that too... until I've reached university. I had the most racist teacher.