Funny that you mentioned "Home Ec" - it was mandatory in Jr. High in my town (3/4 the year for girls, 1/4 for boys) and my mother nicely talked them out of me having to take it. She said "She can already put a meal on the table for six people, and she makes her own clothes. What were you planning on teaching her?" So I got to hang out and do independent study in the art room for 3/4 of the year. The other 1/4 (which boys had 3/4 of) was wood shop, and that I did do.

I was recently visiting with a friend from school, and we talked about that. She said ""I TOOK Home Ec - made an ugly blouse which I never wore, and don't remember learning anything useful."