A Guide to Alternative Handwriting and Shorthand Systems

Does any school system actually offer courses in shorthand? I wonder, if taught early enough in schools, would it be beneficial in high school or college? I know from experience that note taking during lectures requires an expertise that cannot be perfected until one has almost reached the end of the semster. Each lecturer's style and test formats limit the ability to effectively take notes until then. Maybe I'll experiment on my kids and see if it would make a difference. Of course, my kids are under the age of five. It's going to be a while before I get any results.