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.

Thom Gonyeau | Creative Agency Principal

Over time, our educational system has clearly seen transformations. If I think back to my own experience as an elementary, middle, or high school student (many years ago), there was a focus on the basics – the “three R’s” and civics. We got to dabble in the arts. But the world was different then. What we were being prepared for was a future that likely sat closer to our community – geographically and socially. It was more of a rarity for someone to break out of that cycle – and I don’t mean that as a negative because that made terrific sense at that time. Read more>>

Aaron Henry | Founder and Agency Director

It constantly fails ANY individual that seeks true knowledge in their field, passion, or pursuit of happiness. It fails to reach the marginalized, disadvantaged, and economically sidelined communities that have developed and raised genius in all forms and instead celebrates current concepts of mediocrity. There are many in the education system that are fighting against this and doing a damn good job. And while both of my parents were teachers and gave of themselves their time, energy, and own money, the educational system has seemingly become nothing more than a pipeline. Read more>>

Sergio Castillo | Entrepreneur

It’s been a while since I’ve been in school, but from what I remember, I wish I would have enjoyed it a little more. Nothing can really prepare you for the real world until you experience it for yourself. So in my opinion, there are certain subjects that I wish were discussed moe in school. To name a few, Starting a Business, Paying Taxes, Annual financial check ups, Managing Bank accounts, Retirement topics like IRA, 401k and the Stock market. Read more>>

Kenyon Godwin | Business Consultant & Chiropractor

Education is different than learning. Our education system is built on testing and educational standards while ignoring engagement. The life lessons required to be successful in college, on a job, in a career, or in business aren’t taught. We have more young people disengaged in education, opting out of college, and grossly unprepared for adulthood. I was bored in middle and high school. Often falling asleep or finding creative ways to entertain myself. I didn’t want to go to college and repeat that same method of learning. Read more>>

Cassidy Carlson | Educator & Non=Profit Leader

In classical music education, traditionally technical preparation has been at the forefront of all training. New World Symphony (NWS) from its founding responded to a need for aspiring young professional musicians, for additional skills. They were pre-professionals who needed the ensemble experience to be successful in their chosen careers of orchestral musicians. The continuing equity and access issues in our educational system, combined with COVID19, has fueled this moment of opportunity for positive change in our sector and many others. Read more>>

Ken Henry | Entrepreneur

I feel the educational system should place more emphasis on financial literacy. A lot of the information we are taught during k-12 is interesting and you can use from time to time but it doesn’t prepare you for the real world. Financial literacy is one of the single most important tools you can have but you don’t really learn about it unless you take the initiative yourself or find yourself in a situation where you have no choice. I believe every individual has a calling and the ability to fulfill that calling. Read more>>

Robin Burrill | Robin Burrill, RID, ASID, NCIDQ, CAPS, IDS

Starting at the high school level, students need to be given the full gambit of professional opportunities they have. For generations, even more since the 1980s, secondary education has focused more around the college-driven route. “The grades you get have to be good enough to get you into college.“College grads earn more than their peers,” they say. Nevermind the 40% dropout rate from colleges and universities! Students learn the hard (and expensive) way—on average before their sophomore year—that college is not the end-all for everyone. Read more>>

Sarah Hernholm | Founder/President – WIT (Whatever It Takes)

Well, I actually launched my business in response to seeing what wasn’t working in the classroom. I believe it’s important for young people to learn skills that will help them in the “real world”. For example, lessons on financial literacy, learning how to write a professional email, figure out how to navigate social media so that it doesn’t negatively impact your future, etc.. It’s also important for our young people to develop public speaking skills! At WIT – Whatever It Takes, we focus on helping young people develop as entrepreneurs and leaders. We believe strongly that the entrepreneurial skills translate in a more impactful way than many of the rote skills celebrated in a traditional classroom. Read more>>

Alex Barberena | Entrepreneur

I would change a lot in the educational system. Many things remain the same since I went to high school and that was 15yrs ago. I feel the education only focus on grades and not really teaching nesseasry skills for life. Students need to learn real life situations in school. For example, having good credit, managing money, filling taxes, customer service, and healthy life choices. Read more>>