Ask500

I think the U.S. education system needs to start moving away from placating the teacher's union and star focusing on educating (not indoctrinating) the kids.

Problem-solving can be a dandy way to get kids to start thinking on their own, and learning to do research to gain an answer. Teaching Critical Thinking at the grade-school (rather than college) level would be another great tool. How likely is that any tax-supported school system is going to teach skills that would allow the students to form critical opinions of the taxing body?

They need to drop the "leave no kid behind" crap. If the kid can't pass the class, he/she takes it over. The parents have to be involved too. It worked when I was in school and it can work again if the fed gov stays out of education at the state level.

The U.S. education system needs to follow Google's example and allow student's 20% time (one day out of five where they can pursue learning in their own fashion).