Shop classes were done away with for one main reason:
LIABILITY
It is really hard to cut your finger off in language arts class. I saw a stoner cut through their finger with the 20” bandsaw back in 1980. If that happened today, the school would probably be in for a major lawsuit. This is why SAWSTOP tablesaws are selling for more than a Powermatic.
They pay themselves off in just the reduced insurance premium.
The other reason is the cost of shop space in machinery and materials. It is a lot cheaper to offer advanced math than basic woodshop or automotive.
You are 100% right about liability being a primary concern. I’ve used a Sawstop and it is an excellent table saw as well. If it just had the safety part, it wouldn’t sell nearly as well I don’t think.
Damn, the bandsaw has to be the safest machine in most wood shops. You really have to be a stoner to slice off your finger on it. Now a router table...