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.

Kayla Goodlett

Well where do I begin the educational system is built for us as individuals to get in a routine of the rat race what is that you may ask? The way of life that people are caught up fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power. When you think about the educational system what do you do every day you wake up at a certain time you go to lunch at a certain time and you leave at a certain time you’re taught to get good grades but are any of those life skills really used in regular day-to-day life? Now if you’re working a 9 to 5 you may say yes cause you go to work at a certain time you eat lunch at a certain time and you leave at a certain time. Read more>>

Gena Sims

For students in special education, the most important thing is to truly believe in their potential to surprise us. From that belief comes action and commitment. I’ve heard a lot of stories from special ed students about being underestimated. Remember our children–including those who don’t speak much– are always listening. Read more>>

Aquarius Cain

As an educator, I’d completely change the academic model from being focused solely on teaching students how to read, write, and do math to a more wholistic approach. We can prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career by allowing them to explore more of their talents, skills, and abilities and blending that with academics. Read more>>