Stuart Johnson
In 1951 fourth grade through seventh we had co-ed "craft class". In eighth grade the boys had shop and the girls homemaking. I hope the girls got more out of their class than I got out of mine. There were no power tools used which is just as well because there was zero real instruction. We continued our craft type stuff like pine bird houses from pre cut pieces until the last six weeks. We were then told to make anything we wanted but we would need to purchase any wood other than pine or cheap plywood.

High school wood and metal shop were both risky for freshmen so I took printing instead. Unfortunately I found out most in the class were those kicked out of the shop classes. It wasn't bad after the first dozen times of being "black balled" by the seniors.

I have seen some outstanding work produced from shop classes. The fact I had zero benefit doesn't mean a thing other than the school and instructors make all the difference.