Let’s face it, folks: Our education system needs a reboot. Here’s why, and here’s how:

1. We are falling behind other countries in terms of critical thinking.

The PISA test, developed by Andreas Schleicher in 1997, is administered across the world to gauge critical thinking skills. In recent years America has fared rather less well than expected; particularly in the realm of math and science. The problem, of course, does not lie with the children, but with how they are being taught. Our education system should be a point of pride, not a point of shame.

2. There are not enough resources for schools in low-income areas.

15 million American children live in poverty- this striking number represents 21% of the child population. If we want to break the cycle, extra teacher training and additional resources funneled towards poverty hot-spots would make a difference. When school's are a haven for learning, children undoubtedly thrive. And when it comes to education, we should strive to offer every child equal opportunity for success.

3. Our educators are undervalued.

Teaching is one of the hardest jobs there is: between full-time paper grading and lesson planning, teachers are jumping through hoops to appease the various curriculum changes, parental complaints, and discipline issues; ALL while attempting to provide students with support, supervision, and a strong foundation of knowledge. Yet our society deems teacher's worthy of a low payroll. What does that say about how we value our educator’s efforts? And what does that say about how we value our own children's education?

4. Not all educators are effective.

Not every teacher out there is qualified with passion or ability. If we as a nation required that teaching be a more selective profession, then only adults committed to nurturing a lifelong love of learning would be able to fill teaching positions. This would be paired with higher pay. One fallacy throughout school districts is that more experienced teachers are not hired due to the fact that they are worth more. Instead, those who are able to be paid minimally are hired instead and then children pay the price. It is crucial that students are exposed to the best that can be offered to them.

5. Children are the future but are not being treated thusly.

Ultimately, if you want a better America, then invest in the future. It’s that simple.