WHAT SHOULD WE TEACH IN SCHOOL?
Memory, Meaning, and the Missing Curriculum
School shapes more than intellect—it shapes identity. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how early education leaves lasting impressions, and why life skills, emotional intelligence, and civic engagement deserve a place alongside academics.
Think about your own school experience. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Were you at the head of the class? Last in line? Always headed to the principal’s office? Wearing that cross-body thing on patrol? Chosen first for all the games? Made fun of because you had to carry that big trombone case?
Stirring memories?
We all have them. We have more than a slide carousel bundle of them. For some, these memories start before school, if you were in daycare. Daycare is very much like school. You get dropped off at a building or a different home. A bunch of other small children are there, and you do not know any of them and only see them at this place. The adults vary from sweet to stern. The routine is rigid, and you follow it as precisely as possible. Eat when they say, rest when they say, play when they say. Following the teacher’s routine is not childhood. This is daycare.
From there, you will go to nursery, kindergarten, elementary, and high school. You will have years of experience. For some, the journey through school will be delightful. For others, the journey through school can be frightful. And for all, the journey will shape who we become and how we function in the future. Let’s face it. School is a powerful experience.
School is supposed to prepare us for life. In many ways, it hits this target, and in many ways, it does not. Taking 12 to 16 years (depending on whether you count daycare and preschool) to prepare something is a massive investment in time and energy. By now, you should be reflecting on your own early school experiences. I am grateful that my ancestors gave me an excellent brain that made performing in school easy. I enjoyed learning, memorizing, and reciting. I was a good student and a compliant member of the class. You know the type. I got to clean the erasers and run reports down to the office.
Looking back on that education, I noticed several missing things and wonder if we are doing any better today. I do not spend much time diagramming sentences today, but I would have appreciated knowing how to write a convincing letter to the County to get them to put stop signs in a few places in the neighborhood. I never use trigonometry, but I would have appreciated instruction in opening a bank account, developing a budget, paying bills on time, and figuring out my taxes. Memorizing the state capitals was fun as I was quite good at it, but I would have appreciated knowing more about how our government works and how to get involved.
My public education was quite good. My teachers took their jobs seriously and really cared about turning out young people who could research ideas, communicate well with others, and work in a team. When I look at today’s high school graduates, I wonder what has happened to public education.
Want to explore how life skills and emotional intelligence can transform education? Visit Education Revolution’s guide to life skills in schools, The Grown-Up School’s 12 reasons to teach life skills, and Learning Liftoff’s reflections on life skills and student success.
If you’re reflecting on education, identity, or emotional growth, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, healing, and lifelong learning.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst