The DU Lounge

Most kids have smart phones now and can find "the basics" easily enough. I had to be able to change a tire to pass driver's ed in high school (back in the 80s) - but when my daughter broke down in Europe in a rented van, she googled it and changed it herself. I like to think her father and I have taught her how to think and solve a problem when something comes up. Same with home ec - I was taught how to make the perfect white sauce. That's a google search now.

I would say beef up academics and critical thinking, particularly for college bound kids, so they can compete globally. But also, don't assume all the kids are college bound. Many don't have the aptitude or interest to go to college and would do better with a survey of trades to figure out what they might want to do instead. There are plenty of good paying jobs that don't require a college degree. Helping students to take community college classes in high school, for example, could help prepare kids who want or need to work right away.

Elementary school - recess! It's the first thing that they seem to like to take away but everyone needs it. Exercise, stress release, etc.