I've taught a few beginning quilt classes. I did cover fabric color choice and getting a true 1/4" seam. I didn't include stripes and directional fabric. I agree. That's an advanced topic. I did tell people to steer away from those in the beginning.
Sorry your class didn't cover all the things you needed. Speak up next time. I always tell my students that they need to let me know if there's something I haven't covered that they want to know. And, usually, I try to make myself available after the class to help by being at the quilt shop on a drop-in day for people with questions.