Boyce, Large, Gilyard, Aronson and hooks

From Shambhala Sun - A Real Education(The Mindful Society) Barry Boyce
     The change would be to actually focus on the mindfulness of children, teachers and the parents.  Educating all on the simple acts of caring, empathy, kindness and being able to de-center oneself from their own point of view and to listen to others. 
     The reason - Simply put, to improve the health and well being of children.  Help in preventing depression, aggression, school failure and promoting positive qualities like empathy, citizenship and strong friendships

From Jerry Large - Gift of grit, curiosity help kids succeed
     The change would be instilling 'grit' in children.  Grit is defined in the column as "being one of the characteristics of successful people."  Other characteristics are "self-control, zest, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and curiosity."
     The reason would be that people with grit are more successful.  Having grit is being able to overcome failure.  Apparently just hugging and kissing and cooing at your children in their early years is a good start. 

From Gilyard - Children, Arts and Du Bois
     The change would be to not reduce or eliminate the Humanities in schools. 
     The reason is that they (the humanities) "are vital to the process of shaping the critical and productive citizens that we need."  Basically, being involved in the humanities- poetry, dance, story writing, lyrics, oral interpretations and song, make for a more well rounded, educated individual.

From Aronson - Arizona Bans Mexican Americans Studies Program
    The change would be to reinstate the Mexican American Studies Program and get politicians out of the classroom.  The MAS was an incredibly successful education program in Arizona that was disbanded when local and state politicians felt it promoted "resentment of mainstream culture".
     The reason it was a successful program is in the numbers.  97% of students actually graduated high school, compared to 44% nationally and 70% of those students went on to college compared to 24% nationally.  The program worked exceedingly well for those Hispanic students.

From bell hooks - Teaching Critical Thinking Practical Wisdom
     The change would be to teach Critical Thinking.  Critical Thinking is not taught in schools.  Because memorization has become the norm in schools to get at least the basics of education taught, students are not given the opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills. 
     The reason it needs to be taught is that if people who do not develop the desire to know more than they will stop learning(that's my reason).  Critical thinking is necessary to promote active and lifelong learning.  As Sylvan Barnet and Hugo Bedau emphasize "Critical thinking requires us to use our imagination, seeing things form perspectives other than our own and envisioning the likely consequences of our position."