LIVERMORE FALLS – While some school systems are forgoing teaching family and consumer science skills, high school Principal Shawn Lambert proposed a new graduation requirement focused on helping students survive after high school.

Lambert told SAD 36 directors Thursday that the requirement would be a semester-long study titled Life After Livermore Falls High School, which juniors would need to take beginning in the fall. It would be taught by family and consumer education teacher Donna Wilcox, whose course outline is aligned with the Learning Results for that subject.

The class will not increase the 24-credit graduation requirement, Lambert said. Instead it would replace one of several electives students have the option of taking.

Directors voted to take up the requirement at their meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Cedar Street Complex.

The class would focus on decision-making, money-management, renting, buying a used auto, types of insurance, clothing care/basic sewing and meal planning, according to Wilcox’s synopsis.

During the first quarter, Wilcox plans to have students explore how personality develops and how values underlie character and guide lives. Students will set realistic goals and list decision-making skills.

Students would also learn about money management, economics and renting an apartment.

In the second quarter, juniors will learn about meal planning, buying a used vehicle, what is insurance and why it is needed, and clothing care and mending. During the latter, students will analyze clothing care labels and show knowledge of sewing through construction of a mending notebook.

Wilcox is teaching a similar class to freshmen as an elective.

“She’s excited about it. I’m excited about it … These skills are essentials,” Lambert said.