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.

Tasheena Medina

First and foremost, I believe it is crucial to emphasize a holistic education approach. The education system should not solely focus on academic subjects but also on the development of essential life skills. By incorporating subjects such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence into the curriculum, students will be better equipped to navigate challenges in both their personal and professional lives. Read more>>

Dominique Benson

As a private tutor, I have a different perspective on education. I have worked with amazing teachers and schools that are very transparent and supportive but that only accounts for a small percentage of the families that request my services. The common thread amongst many clients and typically the source of their frustration is the fact schools are hyperfocused on standardized testing. Read more>>

Kimberly Cheeseman

As freshman we’re told to pick a major in college, and that will become our career. Kudos to those who knew exactly what they wanted to do for the rest of their life when they were 18, but my former self was wildly wrong when I decided (with no real reasoning) to peruse physical therapy. After four years of undergrad education, I shadowed in a PT office and quickly realized I was bored out of my skull. Read more>>

Crystal Ann Hall

The education system can benefit from several changes to better equip students for a successful future. One of the most crucial changes is prioritizing teaching practical life skills alongside academic subjects. These valuable skills, such as financial literacy, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication skills, time management, and emotional intelligence, are essential for thriving in adulthood. Read more>>

Manny Blue

Money, taxes, and credit are some key important things in our lives, yet we don’t learn about it in school. The world runs on money and again we don’t learn about it in school. Yeah, its cool to learn about history but be honest with yourself, when was the last time a history lesson helped you pay your bills? Got you approved for a loan? Helped raise your credit score? or built your credit? The educational system is so outdated, and change need to be made. Will there ever be changes that will benefit us? Maybe, maybe not. Read more>>

Greg Kucera

Both of my parents were middle-school teachers. I was raised in public schools. We had choices for various arts offerings from band to choir to art classes. For me, those elective arts courses were formative in seeing the arts as a livelihood possibility. I couldn’t sing and had no aptitude for music but visual art was my salvation. I was an artsy kid and I was encouraged by each of my arts teachers all through junior high and high school. Read more>>

Eboni Croney

Definitely change the school system. There is so much I could have learned in school, that could have replaced the things I actually learned. For one thing, taxes. Need I say more? I didn’t learn about taxes but I learned how to do math when they start adding letters. I learned the history of slaves, and colonization, but I didn’t learn about the business owners of my people. Read more>>

Lindsie Yearsin

One thing I personally would change about the educational system to prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career is to teach them to explore their educational options. I remember, being very fortunate and having a great guidance counselor to help inform and answer those difficult questions about “What’s next” following graduation. I felt a degree was pounded into our head from an early age. Read more>>

Christen Lubbers

Our teachers and school administrators work so hard to give students the best educational experience possible, but it feels like the emphasis on testing has overshadowed many soft skills that will be more valuable to students as they enter the workforce. Read more>>

Kalynn Tolbert

I would love the educational system to teach us about real lifestyles, such a building credit, business bank account, first time house buying, etc Read more>>