I have 2 kids ... the older one has learning disabilities that affect her "executive functioning". In other words, her time management and organization skills stink, and all the reading about these won't make a jot of difference. She is getting help in school, and she is learning -- at snail's pace. She needs to start learning this stuff now (she's 11), and keep learning it, from trained teachers, as long as possible.

Other skills the kids should learn: definitely bring back Home Ec and Shop! I see teenagers who can't boil water or run a washing machine -- every one of us should be able to take care of basic needs. Personal Finance is another must, ideally teaching kids how to fill out a 1040 without a computer, and how to figure out how much credit card interest you're paying ... Phys Ed should include nutrition and exercise theory, as well as self-defense.

Another school mistake ... my daughter's middle school "computer science" class taught the kids how to use Excel, Word, and -gasp- HyperStudio. [I love HyperCard, but it's a little, uh, dated.] Better if the kids learned how to use Google, the difference between RAM and ROM, and how to read help files.

Enough. I bet you never thought a professional Mom would chime in here :-)