Here are some questions we must ask and answer about our education system going forward:

Q: Why do we use public funds to educate America's children?

The original purpose of our public education system was to improve the nation and drive economic growth by cultivating an educated workforce while fostering a well-informed citizenry that values civic responsibility. In short, it aimed to build a stronger, more capable population with solid foundations for future success. By implementing needed changes to once again establish strong foundations for all children while addressing modern challenges and harnessing current technology, we can help our nation thrive anew.

Q: What should all students be learning in today's world so they can become their best selves?

1. The first pillar of education is academic subjects such as reading, language, math, science; and digital skills.
2. The second pillar is pure essential personal life skills (no DEI, gender identity or social justice content).  Much like learning the alphabet is the key foundation for reading and writing, these skills are the foundation for learning how to become your best self.

The education of the whole student consists of both pillars.  When students are only taught one pillar—academics—they are missing out on the second vital pillar of education that truly prepares them for their futures. 

Q: With the advent of advancements in technology, we can use some of that technology to work smarter, and get more from our education system.  How should the role of teaching change?
We can improve education by using technology to personalize learning with adaptive tools, take advantage of the wealth of information available at the touch of a few keys, expand access through online platforms, enhance engagement with interactive resources, and use data analytics to improve teaching strategies and outcomes. Technology should be used to free up teachers' time and resources so that they can routinely include essential personal life skills education. 

Q: How could the availability of information on the internet affect classroom teaching and procedures? 
The availability of information on the internet can significantly influence the restructuring of our education system in several ways:

1. Shift from Memorization Only to Include Critical Thinking
With vast amounts of information readily accessible online, education can move away from rote memorization and focus more on teaching critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Students need to learn how to evaluate the credibility and relevance of the information they encounter.
2. Personalized Learning
The internet provides a wealth of resources, such as online courses, tutorials, and adaptive learning platforms, enabling a more personalized educational experience. Schools can restructure to incorporate these tools, tailoring instruction to individual learning paces and styles.
3. Emphasis on Digital Literacy
As students increasingly rely on the internet for learning, digital literacy becomes essential. Education systems must prioritize teaching skills like navigating online resources, discerning misinformation, understanding data privacy, and using digital tools effectively.
4. Global Connectivity and Collaboration
The internet allows students and educators to connect with peers worldwide, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and exchange of ideas. Education systems can incorporate global perspectives into curricula, preparing students for an interconnected world.
5. Blended Learning Models
The integration of online resources into traditional classrooms can lead to blended learning models, combining face-to-face instruction with digital tools. This approach can increase flexibility and engagement while accommodating diverse learning needs.
6. Focus on Lifelong Learning
With the internet enabling continuous access to learning resources, education can be restructured to encourage lifelong learning. Schools can focus on equipping students with foundational skills and the mindset to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

By leveraging the vast potential of the internet, education systems can become more dynamic and future-focused, preparing students for the complexities of the modern world.

Q: How could we change our school calendar to maximize student benefit? 
An ideal school year for maximum educational results would include:

1. Balanced Calendar: A year-round schedule with shorter breaks (e.g., 9 weeks of instruction followed by 2-3 week breaks) to reduce learning loss and maintain engagement.

2. Flexible Learning: Personalized learning plans tailored to students' needs, integrating technology and adaptive tools for differentiated instruction.

3. Comprehensive Support: Access to resources like tutoring, counseling, and extracurricular activities to address academic, emotional, and social needs.

4. Skill-Based Focus: Emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and practical life skills alongside traditional academics.

5. Community Involvement: Opportunities for real-world learning through internships, mentorships, and project-based learning tied to local industries and community challenges.

6. Professional Development: Continuous training for educators to adapt to new teaching methods, technologies, and diverse learning styles.

Such a model fosters consistent learning, reduces educator burnout, maximizes teaching effectiveness, and prepares students for success in school and beyond.

Q: What results should we look for from all our students?
To truly have a well-rounded education and become their best selves, all students should achieve:

Dissolving teachers' unions could have many positive consequences for the education system. The impact would depend on how the resulting void is filled and the reforms implemented. Here are some potential benefits:

While school choice and voucher systems may help some students escape failing public schools, they are not a comprehensive solution. To effectively address failing schools, we need systemic reform which includes improving public schools, providing additional resources, and fostering innovation within the public education system. School choice could be part of the solution but should be implemented alongside efforts to strengthen public education for all students.

Q: What can be done through our system of education to help parents be the best they can be?
Most parents are not teachers, which is why we have a school system with trained teachers to help our students learn the skills and information children need so they can thrive and achieve.  Additionally, many parents also do not possess essential personal life skills themselves, and parents cannot pass on skills to their children if they don't have them to begin with.  If we include early childhood education as a part of our system of education in America, and also include curricula that teach K-12th grade students the essential personal life skills they truly need, parents can also be more successful. 

1. Building Strong Foundations

• Cognitive and Emotional Development: Quality early learning programs foster critical thinking, emotional regulation, and social skills. When children are better equipped to learn and interact positively, parents face fewer behavioral challenges and can focus on nurturing their child’s strengths.

• Closing Developmental Gaps: Early education reduces disparities in learning that arise from socioeconomic factors. Parents benefit from knowing their child has equal opportunities to thrive.

2. Easing Parental Pressure

• Supportive Framework: With early education in place, parents don’t feel the sole burden of teaching essential personal life skills and concepts at home, if they even have them themselves, allowing them to balance work and family life more effectively.

• Reduced Anxiety: Parents are reassured that their children are receiving consistent, high-quality preparation for future success, which alleviates stress.

3. Preparing Children for Real Life

• Essential Personal Life Skills: Curricula that teach emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and health management empower children to navigate challenges independently, reducing reliance on parents for every decision.

• Collaborative Learning: By integrating these skills into education, schools partner with parents to instill habits and values, creating a cohesive development strategy.

4. Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships

• Improved Communication: Children with foundational emotional and interpersonal skills are better at expressing their needs and understanding others, fostering healthier communication at home.

• Shared Successes: When children excel academically and socially, parents feel a sense of accomplishment and are encouraged to stay involved.

5. Strengthening Community Ties

• Engaged Communities: Universal access to quality learning and life skills curricula unites communities around shared goals of supporting families and children, and providing additional resources for parents.

Incorporating these elements into education systems not only sets children up for lifelong success but also creates a supportive ecosystem where parents can thrive in their roles without being overwhelmed.

Q: What do employers need from their employees, and how can schools better equip students for their future jobs?
As demonstrated by a recent McKinsey & Company survey on the future skills citizens will need in the world of work, there are at least 56 foundational skills that will help them thrive, including a higher likelihood of employment, higher incomes, and job satisfaction.  Three of the four areas of skills needed involve those that fall under the topic of essential personal life skills:  cognitive, interpersonal, and self-leadership. So we must also ask ourselves:  Since employers need the kinds of skills learned through essential personal life skills education, why is this type of curriculum not routinely included as a part of our education system for all students? 

Q: What do parents want for their children's futures?
All parents want their children to be healthy and successful, and to have a fulfilling career that meets financial needs.  If we were to include quality early childhood education as a part of our system of education and also include curricula that help students from K-12th grades continue to learn and hone essential personal life skills, our children can all have a future that is bright.  They will truly learn to become their best selves!