What school skips, and the evidence
Research on the skills adults were never taught: how many people can do them, what other countries teach, and how schools got here. Every number is checked against its original source, and self-reported figures are marked.
The Basic Skills Report Card 2026
We graded US adults on nine basics, most of which school rarely tests, from swimming to the fine print, with Canadian data where it exists. Six subjects got an F.
8 min read · 16 sources
What other countries teach that North American schools don't
Food, home, money, water safety, first aid and mental health are required lessons in several countries. Here is what they teach, from their own official documents, and what a complete curriculum would include.
7 min read
What Happened to Home Economics?
It was named in 1899 as science for everyday life. In recent decades, schools have given it less room. Here is the history in the US and Canada, and what the evidence says about teaching its skills in school.
7 min read