Our children are our future. Education is at the heart at developing their skills and abilities and yet year after year we hear about the degrading state of our educational system. Our nation has spent trillions of dollars on failed programs that research and experts had promised would work. Achievement gaps persist, performance declines are accelerating and so it is of paramount importance that we explore novel ideas and solutions. You might not agree with many or any of the ideas below, and we certainly are not endorsing policies – our hope is just to create a space where bright, dedicated folks from the community can share their ideas – so that we can all come together and better understand each others experiences, concerns and how we might move forward together to build a brighter future.

Sarah Ashley

There’s much room for improvement in the modern education system. Yes, the topics and subject matter taught to students are valuable and do provide a solid knowledge “baseline” to build upon. Yes, I believe higher education is a worthwhile experience, if only for that—the experience of life, people, and new ideas. Read more>>

Richard Fergola

I was a high school special education teacher for 21 years before starting my own business in BBQ. I can tell you that public education is just way too much top down leadership styles. Too much good ole boy network of people that hire people that are not necessarily the most qualified candidate. At the end of the day, it will always be the kids that suffer from this structure. Read more>>

Eddie Acker

I would love to see the school system implement a curriculum on mental health. Many children struggle with mental health but sometimes it goes unnoticed because parents, teachers, or peers do not know what to look for or suggest. Of course I am not suggesting that other peers diagnose, but if they are aware they can alert staff. Read more>>

Kimberly Royster

If I could change the educational system, I would incorporate financial literacy. Financial literacy saved and changed my life. The resources, the understanding and the knowledge to maneuver in life starts at a young age. Being given life lessons of savings, taxes, home ownership, investing and many other financial tips could have been a driving force to put my life in a different direction. Read more>>

Christina Singleton

As a former educator, this is a hot topic for me! To begin, I would get rid of standardized testing and bring back play into learning. Children learn through doing and playing, not through practice tests. Also give the teachers more flexibility on how they think their students will learn best. Why make teachers obtain a Bachelors Degree if you are going to tell them how to teach? Read more>>

Jen Cefaly

As classroom teachers and STEM coordinators for over 17 years, we have seen a decline in the amount of hands-on play and problem solving in elementary and middle school curricula. The influx of technology in the classroom has brought new skill requirements for students and teachers, like teaching and learning about digital citizenship, basic computer skills, and keyboarding. Read more>>

Bree Fenner

While there have been positives to the current educational system, I believe there are important skills that are under valued. Some examples are disconnection from nature, thinking outside of the box, and lack of entrepreneurship and real life skills. I believe we are deeply connected to our natural environment, however since the Industrial Revolution we have been drastically disconnected from our natural cycles that have sustained us for thousands of years. Read more>>