I believe the top 5 goals in education should be the following:

1. Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and other transferable skills

The pace of technological evolution is so rapid now that it is difficult to accurately predict where the world will be when a Kindergartener graduates 12th grade 13 years later. With the advent of artificial intelligence, the job market could change drastically in the next 20 years. The best skills for teachers to focus on are transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, active listening, organization, perseverance, and adaptability. If students can master these skills, they can adapt to whatever changes occur in the next decade.

2. Preparing students to be good citizens

This seems common sense, but if children don’t grow up to be productive members of society, then there will be no society. Thomas Jefferson said, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." To paraphrase many of his ideas, citizens must be educated if a society is to survive. If our youth are not educated, they won’t be able to think independently, leading to the decay of society, diminished productivity, and eventual rule by “experts” and “elites” who tell everyone what to think and how they should think.  

3. Encouraging lifelong learning

Children and adults should understand that K-12 schooling is only the bare minimum of learning required to function in a modern society. If we create students who love learning, they will innately seek out knowledge even after leaving secondary school. Post-secondary learning doesn’t have to be in the form of college. They could learn skills or trades, but all people should continue to learn and better themselves to be productive,  improve their own circumstances, and for the betterment of society.

4. Fostering social-emotional development

John Dewey believed education should focus on intellectual growth and social and emotional development. He believed that education should be holistic and develop the whole child and that schools should function as microcosms of society. The current state of children's emotional well-being and mental health is deeply concerning, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues being reported worldwide. This can be attributed to social media pressure, academic stress, family instability, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational institutions must prioritize mental health by integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, providing access to mental health resources, and fostering supportive school environments.

5. Instilling archetypal American morals and values

John Adams said, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” I believe our society is currently suffering the devasting effects of not having a moral compass and not valuing others. Many people want maximum freedom but don’t have the self-control or moral character to responsibly exercise that freedom. We’ve left the institution of the church that provided those moral guidelines. American society’s collective motto has become, “Do what is best for you” and “Do whatever makes you happy.” However, we often forget how our actions might affect others. Institutions must prioritize teaching moral values and serving their fellow humans if we aim to correct our current trajectory.