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.

Danielle Parkinson

One of the most significant changes I would make to the education system is placing a stronger emphasis on emotional intelligence, mental health, and social well-being alongside academic achievement. At the heart of my mission is a deep commitment to promoting well-being and mental health awareness within primary and secondary schools. I have spent the past year diving deeper into the strategies of well-being in education and corporate spaces, and one of the first projects I have been developing after completing my certification is an initiative called the “The Kindness Club”. Read more>>

Queen Jordii

There is a lot I would change about the education system to prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career. Something I have always disliked about the education system is that everyone is “forced” to learn the same things when people are all so different. I wish schools would allow students to focus on their strengths, help them develop their natural skills and talents, and figure out how to monetize them. If it were up to me, students would not feel any pressure to go to college immediately after high school. They would get the opportunity to explore life and decide what they want to do before committing to a degree they may be unsure of. Read more>>

Tiffany West-harvey

At Speak With Tiffany and through our book Becoming A Young CEO, we believe that the education system needs a stronger focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and real-world skills. While traditional academic subjects are important, students also need practical skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability to thrive in today’s ever-changing economy. One change I would make is to introduce entrepreneurship courses at an earlier stage, starting in elementary school. These courses would teach students not only how to start and run a business but also how to cultivate creativity, resilience, and leadership—skills essential for building a fulfilling career and life. In addition, financial literacy education, including topics like budgeting, saving, and investing, should be a core part of the curriculum. Read more>>