<p>To me, the problem with the US education system is the lackadaisical attitude many students harbor towards education. Teachers are important, to a degree (actually really really important, but I digress), however what needs to be cultivated in the US is the motivation and drive to learn. And that cannot be taught. </p>
<p>I think what should happen to stimulate this drive is more practical examples of how what is being learned applies and is used in the real world. Such as more “field trips” to museums and symphonies or research facilities and actual jobs that relate to the area being covered. Less standardized testing, like what has been talked about, couldn’t hurt, but it is tangent to the actual problem.</p>