Overhauling the U.S. Education System

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Teachers employed by states rather than districts. Schools no longer run by districts but by independent contractors. Teenagers who take exams at age 16 that permit them to enroll immediately in community or technical colleges. High-quality, early-childhood education made available to all 4-year-olds and all low-income 3-year-olds.

Those are just a few of the proposals for overhauling the U.S. education system contained in a new report, "Tough Choices or Tough Times," released by a prominent panel whose members include state and local superintendents, former governors and mayors, business executives, and prior U.S. secretaries of education and labor.

But are these good ideas? Some education leaders were quick to criticize most of the proposals for lacking evidence of effectiveness, while others believe the suggestions could push the country in the right direction to compete in a global economy.

What do you think? Are these good or bad ideas? How do you think the U.S. education system needs to be changed?