Education in America—and How to Improve It

This collection of recent research and key commentary from AEI’s education team focuses on the importance of education, problems with the current system, and ways to improve it. It is part of AEI’s “Future in Focus” series, which features compilations of leading work from AEI scholars on pressing public policy topics.

Together, the essays in this volume illustrate a critical point: while education is a primary driver of social mobility, our existing system is failing to help those who need it most. The good news is that a handful of sensible reforms could help create an education marketplace that will improve opportunity for all.

Download or purchase: EPUB | PDF | Kindle

Watch the new Vision Talks videos on education.
Take the associated survey.

Contents

Preface
Andrew P. Kelly and Daniel Lautzenheiser

I. INTRODUCTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION

K–12 Education and Opportunity
Michael Q. McShane

College and Social Mobility
Andrew P. Kelly

II. THE BIG PICTURE: HOW TO THINK ABOUT EDUCATION

The Federal Role in Education
Frederick M. Hess and Andrew P. Kelly

The Mindset of Education Reform
Daniel Lautzenheiser

III. THE PROBLEM: WHAT’S WRONG WITH AMERICA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM?

How America’s Education System Fails to Live Up to Its Promise
Michael Q. McShane

The College Conundrum
Andrew P. Kelly

IV. SOLUTIONS: HOW TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN AMERICA

K–12 Education Reform to Give the Next Generation a Chance to Thrive
Frederick M. Hess

Higher Education Reform to Make College and Career Training More Effective and Affordable
Andrew P. Kelly

Early Childhood Education: Worth Doing—and Worth Doing Right
Katharine B. Stevens

Helping School Choice Work
Michael Q. McShane