[jaj_dad]

If I was a School District Administrator, I'd make sure that all 6th graders had a classes on, among other things, how to use a pocket knife, gun safety, general household safety, how to tie knots, change a flat tire, fix a toliet, clean a floor, make a bed and manners

That's what Scouting is for! :-)

I learned all that stuff in Scouts, and now it's my son's turn

[FarRightTexan]

The problem is that all boys need to know these things, not just Boy Scouts. I'm an Eagle Scout and know the value of the things I learned while a Boy Scout. Every kid needs to be educated in practical things that are beneficial. Schools need to be places of learning - practical tools as well as mental tools. They both are important.