We seem to have a problem with academic challenge from grade school on into college and it is reaching a crisis. It is possible to avert such a crisis with a little bit of intelligent pre-planning but if something is not done soon, it is will extremely difficult.

The big problem is we are so busy making people all the same and equal that we are making the strongest and most motivated outcasts and downplaying the reality of their superior genes in academic endeavors. Some kids learn different at different times in their development and by teaching to the middle; No Child Left Behind, we spend too much time concentrating on the weaker without giving incentive to the stronger.

"Socialism in Our Schools" is a relevant book to read on this subject. If we fail to challenge the minds of our children, we have failed in our education system. Simple baby-sitting, brain washing and memorization of material is not thinking and it is not learning.

If the United States of America is to continue to lead the World in innovation, science and business, we cannot sacrifice our schools in the here and now. If we do we will surely lose out and pay for it later, as we are passed by with more disciplined and smarter teaching methodologies of other nations. It is happening now? What would you like to learn today? Consider this in 2006.