, and many (40-50% in my recollection) other students received first time firearm instruction and 4 position rifle technique training which they would have never otherwise received. A few discovered a new talent. We were firing pellet rifles but the fundamentals and safe handling rules are the same. I hope my children and their classmates get the same opportunity. I have no doubt that today, 10 years later, most of my classmates are capable of safely handling a firearm even if they have not seen one since. Now that I think of it, we were all required to take the Texas Hunters Education Course as well as part of the curriculum. I think it would be a grand idea to insitute in our school system and would probably expose some children to something they may never have the experience to; well rounded individuals, right. Start with Eddie the Eagle type stuff in the early years with more in depth and serious matters, i.e. photos of NDs and such, in the 6th grade or so and voluntary shooting training in high school which will count as a physical education credit.