Yep…we also had Home Economics AND Economics at my high school. Econ was kind of dry and more about economic theory, labor unions, Great Depression, etc.
I took Home Ec because my friends did and immediately regretted it. I never learned to sew, and that was half the class. However, I talked my neighbor into finishing my sewing projects in exchange for babysitting services.
Students at my high school could learn how to sew, bake a cake, fix an engine, woodworking, but not a thing about what happens to people who spend more $$ than they earn, dont pay their bills on time, or how to save money for a future.
I have a friend who worked for a collection agency when she was in her early 20s. She believes this is something that every kid should have to do. She came from a crazy family, parents had no clue about money, were always in debt, etc, but working at the CA has made her a fiscally responsible adult.
