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.

Reagan Bloedt

One major change I would make to the education system, particularly in graphic design programs, is a stronger emphasis on real-world application and career preparedness. While foundational design principles and theory are crucial, many students graduate without a deep understanding of client relations, project management, or the evolving demands of digital and print media. In my own experience as a graphic design student, coursework often focused on theoretical aspects of design, but there was little exposure to practical skills like networking, negotiating contracts, and self-marketing. However, in my sophomore year, I took a class called “Professional Practices,” where real-world application was the main focus, and I experienced drastic skill growth and confidence building in a short period of time. Read more>>

Rachel Arbor

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be for schools to integrate interdisciplinary environmental education across all content areas and grade levels. Climate change is one of the only issues that affects every single living organism on this planet. In my experience as an educator, I’ve seen how desperate kids are to understand the causes and effects of climate change, as well as their role in the solution. Climate anxiety runs rampant among today’s students: I’ve heard them express doom, despair, and powerlessness. I remember one of my 6th-graders telling me he was terrified about climate change and guilty because he felt like it was his fault. Read more>>

Heavenlei Whitters

I feel the educational system from K-18 is close minded. It gave me 1 class that was a quarter of the 4 years of high school. Amongst that class just 2 weeks were dedicated to sewing. Not saying they should have given me a fashion program but DEFINITELY more guidance in creative industries could’ve been helpful. VS. the pressure of only fitting into the “normal” math science reading writing jobs. Not that those aren’t important but what about the rest of the world? Not only this but I feel there was a lack of financial learning. Health classes weren’t up to par. The REAL life skills and experiences you go through we are not prepped for. Read more>>

Grant Wicker

More real life applications. The school system could really use revamping and teach applicable skills to kids along side the current system. Read more>>

Meredith Gadd

The cost in general and they fact my profession can actually exists. Education is like breathing; and, breathing is free. Read more>>

Vanessa Goodar Phd

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, by grandparents and teen parents who had limited knowledge of how to navigate the public school system. Despite this, I was fortunate to have key protective factors in school, specifically mentors and my involvement in the marching band that helped build my confidence and convinced me I could succeed in higher education. Read more>>

Angelique Skinner

I believe the education system should place a greater focus on creative arts and innovation. Too often, schools emphasize traditional subjects while overlooking the power of creativity and hands-on skills that can lead to fulfilling careers. In today’s world, students are rarely given the tools or exposure to explore these paths early on. Looking back at my own journey, I had to seek out my passion for film and storytelling on my own because there weren’t many structured opportunities in school that nurtured creativity in that way. The system was designed more for memorization and standardized testing rather than real-world application. It wasn’t until I stepped outside the classroom and started creating on my own. Read more>>

Naomi Trotto

So I am so disappointed with today’s beauty schools, and the government in which that dictates them. The people going to beauty school come out not knowing basic care for guests. As a salon owner of 11 years, this year is the first year I will no longer hire anyone straight from school. We have completely changed our program, we only take apprenticeships now where we have control over the two years of learning, and it provides them with income and a clientele afterwards. We are currently developing a program that includes education for students and stylists in the area, they can complete our training, and that certificate will make them eligible to work for us. Read more>>

Prasiddhi Jain

I’d change the education system to focus less on memorization and rigid pathways and more on adaptability, problem-solving, and real-world exposure. Right now, schools push a one-size-fits-all approach, but life doesn’t work that way. We need to teach students how to think, not just what to think. That means more emphasis on financial literacy, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences—things that actually prepare students for life and careers that are constantly evolving. Read more>>