Public school systems today hinder, rather than help, the creativity and individuality of high school-aged students as they seek not only their futures, but also themselves. What needs to change so students can get the most out of their higher education? There has been a lot of research done on this topic, leading to differing opinions, multiple methods of change, and thousands of other questions. Some researchers believe that too much time is spent in the classroom forcing students to learn advanced science, mathematics, and language arts; others believe that these same classes should be the main focus of schools to increase intelligence. This raises the question of how to measure students' intelligence to find what they need as an individual. Is there a way to measure how capable an individual is? There are thousands of different types of intelligence, so how can you label someone's intellectual ability using a numbers-based system? Those who are challenged with these flawed methods will become the leaders of their country and will have to learn how to do so effectively. Education must be reformed to secure the future of the United States of America. As time passes, American citizens find themselves conforming to society and adapting to the changes around them. Why, then, do educational systems remain the same as they were hundreds of years ago? In his book The Element, Dr. Ken Robinson points out that current education systems were designed in “times dominated by the industrial revolution in Europe and America” (13). This dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, about 300 years ago. Basic skills in maths, science and language were essential to find... halfway through the job......and education suited to their future roles in life and current education systems do not focus enough on these subjects . Maybe those in charge will see it. Maybe they will reform the way they educate their children. Maybe they never will, but to succeed and avoid becoming a third world country, the United States of America must find a way to change education to benefit itself, its children, and its country's future. “How Standardized Testing Hurts Education.” August 20, 2007. np FairTest. Network. March 22, 2011.Lumsden, Linda. “Students' motivation to learn.” np Clearinghouse ERIC. Network. April 6, 2011.Robinson, Ken. The element. Strand, London: Viking Penguin, 2009. p. PrintRoekel, Dennis Van. “Reforming high schools for the 21st century: an imperative.” NEA Policy Brief (2008): np Web. March 17 2011.