It seems the purpose of education in this country has been forgotten or at least misdirected. Rather than preparing young people with the knowledge and understanding necessary to shoulder the responsibilities of self-­governance in our constitutional republic, it appears most students are being prepared for some niche in the workforce. Who, then, will govern?

The article “Highlands to require students to take personal finance, family/consumer sciences courses” (Feb. 18, TribLive) stated that the district has been working in recent years to implement a Career and Workforce Readiness Program for all grade levels. All grade levels, including elementary schools? And “… we will look to enhance these courses to ensure students are learning the basic life skills needed to be successful independent adults.” And this isn’t just happening there.

It’s wonderful that students are learning about finances and family and consumer sciences; those are important. But they are not enough. We need more than basic life and job skills to be participatory citizens in our republic. What else is needed to be a truly free and independent people?

Our founders had the education necessary for self-governance. They were broadly educated and knew history, philosophy and the great works of their time. We move away from that educational foundation at our peril.

Emily Miller

Salem

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