In 1975, our junior high school implemented a form of program which allowed for a huge number of shorter duration, optional programs. I taught short courses (6 weeks to 2 months) in listening skills, report writing, film, etc. and also designed and taught Chess. I had two courses: Chess I, a course for complete beginners; and Chess II, meant for those who already knew the game and were playing regularly. Because this was shortly after Fischer-Spassky, and we already had a thriving chess club, the interest was very high. Roughly 20 - 28 kids enrolled in each course; the courses were repeated throughout the year. Our school was large (850-950 students in grades 7, 8, and 9).

We had beautiful weighted plastic Staunton sets and roll up boards. The home-economics class made sacks for the pieces from unsold physed gear (with school colors), and I drew a large chess board in permanent ink onto the chalk board and glued magnetic strips to the back of cardboard figures I had drawn to create a demonstration board. The whole thing was very inexpensive, but worked like a charm.

Many students in my other English classes wanted to play chess during class (a much better problem than some others I experienced!). I had a legitimate program of studies (which I wrote) that included theory, problems, and practice time built into each class. Each unit included theory, puzzles and tests. The course was relatively rigorous; I made sure that our approach was "serious" and not just chess club-like activities.

Approximately 40% of each class failed intially. It was challenging: students were expected to memorize some theory and learn basic tactics. Students who failed were not allowed to re-take the course or move to the next level. Accountability helped ensure that we were accorded some respect for what we were doing.

The demographics of the class ranged from "egg-heads" to "losers" to "jocks" (though I don't remember that term being used back then) to "chicks"; and many were just normal kids looking for a fun class.

I had more positive feedback from parents - especially those with sons who were, otherwise, bored or disengaged at school. One parent had twin sons in the class and said that was all the boys talked about when they got home. I believe there was a positive carry over to other classes in a number of instances.

After two years, the entire program was dissolved and we returned to regular classes. Chess instruction certainly can be taught in school with great success. The problem is that most programs of study have no room for it. Thus, it's a moot point whether it should or shouldn't be taught since it simply can't be fit in to the existing curriculae. But, if in your district, there is a way, then I would encourage you to look into it. It has to be an option only; it likely should occur between grades 3 and 9; and, it needs to be structured and somewhat challenging - I like the word "rigorous". It would work as a traditional option, or in a home schooling situation, or in a strongly student-centered environment. At least, that's my considered opinion.

PS.  I had no great training prior to undertaking this venture, nor was I a particularly strong chess player (I'm still not!) But, I did have a passion for chess.

Chess should be taught in schools !

Teaching can combine algorithimic logic and chess moving.

In a situated positions of pawns in chess board,  a teacher can find excellent paradigms that can be used as problems in logic

A PBL instructional method can easily be adopted in a teaching procedure with such teaching material. 

(see Problem-based Learning in Higher Education: Untold Stories Maggi Savin-Baden)

Very usefull for sudents and instructors too ...

Schools are for teaching basic communication skills; already in the UK the curriculum is far too extensive and this means expense in a time of recession.

I appreaciate that on this site most people will be bias in favour, and I love the game myself but it should not be taught and paid for by the tax payer.

I to was taught square dancing in elementary school. !!P

Chess came in jr high and my POPs. CHESS ABSOLUTELY Should be taught in all progression of education .. knowledge is power and  Chess knowledge is Powerful Good.

I agree wholeheartedly.  For exactly the reasons you gave.  Sadly, I doubt it will happen.  Competition is politically incorrect and thus chess would probably never get enough support from the education community.

Most schools have chess-clubs. I think making it mandatory could have a negative effect on the kids who aren't so good. I agree that it probably DOES create more neural pathways, so does learning music, and I wouldn't be suprised if some video-games did as well. I think it definately should be encouraged in schools and that goverments should ensure that all schools have the resources for chess-clubs and musical endeavors to compliment the academics.

They taught square dancing at my school....that is why I am such a bad chess player....

I agree totally!  And, we need to support our fine arts in schools as well.  Music, art, debate, etc.  Yes, Reading, Writing and Arithmatic are important, but so are the avenues that allow freedom to express oneself, things that instill dicipline, .....

The chess at school at least should be offered if not compulsory. It teches you to control under stress, tournaments.

I like the idea.  I have a boy 8 and girl 5.  My boy really likes chess and is getting pretty good at it, he really concentrates and surprises me all the time with good moves.  Based on my limited knowledge and my rating here at chess.com I would guess a rating of about 1600 would be close to the truth for my boy.  He won 1 game against me and I barely held on lately for wins, he is getting stronger.

That would be awesome, unfortunately there isn't even a chess club in my school; however, I do play with my History teacher during study halls. It's a great game and I agree it does help develop analytical and concentration skills.

I Totally agree with this!

That is one of the best ideas ever! I wish my school would do that.

Chess is one of the cheaper and potentially more effective extra-curricular programs in schools.

right you are, terry, it does improve my ability to focus and make rational decisions. excellent point about chess in school...keep up the good work

I too agree!That's agreat idea!

      In my mother tongue,Marathi,Chess is called as a Buddhibal,Buddhi = Intellect + Bal=power, meaning a thing that empowers your intellectual capacities! So,it is definitely useful for the growing agegroup!

     Also,if it is made a cumpulsory subject in a schools,it will naturally lead to increased participation from girls,than that of today!

....I agree too..^__^here in philippines chess is now part of the elementary student grade 1 to 6 I think they heard you....hehehe^__^

I agree with all you said. Soon, chess will be lesson in school in Turkey. That's good news for us.