Its very interesting that so many people are voicing concerns about the public education system in America, and I agree wholeheartedly that the system is in SERIOUS need of an overhaul; however, it is NOT the sole responsibility of the public education system to teach children everything they need to know!! Where are the parents and communities and what are their roles in the education of children ? What is THEIR responsibility in this matter ? Is it not the responsibility of parents (and perhaps communities) to provide some fundamental educational basis upon which the public education system can build and further refine? I am of the belief that we can re-vamp, re-name and overhaul the system until we are blue in the face, but until we, as a nation...as communities...and as individuals become actively involved in and with the process, nothing will work, and unfortunately American children, and ultimately America will be left to pay the cost.