In Michigan, legislators are mulling over a plan intended to increase the number of CPR-trained members in their community by requiring that students learn the lifesaving skill before they graduate from high school. If it passes, the new bill would require schools to teach CPR and the use of defibrillators to students at least one time between grades 7 and 12.
In an age of standardized testing, students are spending more time learning how to fill in a circle with a pencil and less time learning skills that might help them get by — and get ahead — in life.
I – Word Understanding
Mulling – thinking about
Get by – to survive (to manage with difficulty to live or accomplish something)
Get ahead – to become successful
II – Have Your Say
A. What special skills have you learned at school? Are there some skills you wish schools would teach students?
B. Here are nine courses we wish more schools would add to their curriculum:
1. First aid
2. Home repair
3. Budgeting
4. Car repair
5. Swimming
6. Self defense
7. Cooking
8. How to file taxes
9. Coding
