Public Education for Tomorrow's World: A Whole New and Redesigned Approach to Educating Children Educating young people is by far the most important task of any society. Young people have the power to change the future and completely reshape a nation, its politics and its culture. As such, public schools are the most powerful institution in America. The power to shape young minds and influence young lives must be exercised with great caution and respect. The public school system must make educating children for a better tomorrow its primary purpose. Many great educators and reformists throughout the history of public education have contributed great ideas and noble goals to the world of education. An ideal education system is one that finds a balance between these many different ideas and approaches. Ultimately, the focus must be on the well-being of children and the outcomes of adults exiting the system. Public education must be progressive, continually evolving to reflect the needs and values ​​of society, and always striving for progress. Great progressive educators include Marietta Johnson, William H. Kilpatrick, and Stanley Hall who “rebellied against rote memorization and authoritarian classroom management” (204, Ornstein et al.). These educators sought a more diverse school environment with more opportunities for children outside of the traditional, boring education system. Marietta Johnson, famous for founding the Organic School in Fairhope, Alabama, suggested that childhood should be lengthened rather than shortened. He believed that children should “follow their own internal timetables rather than those of adults” (204, Ornstein et al.). Since children have their own stages of preparation, they s... center of paper... work in the field every year of their education. Nothing will prepare them to become a teacher better than experiencing it firsthand. A progressive approach to education in which students are valued is the most important foundation on which a new public education system must be built. Children should be encouraged to become self-motivated and flexible, while instilling a love of learning. Real-world and career skills need to be taught at an early age and nurtured throughout development. Children should have the freedom and resources to independently develop their skills and interests. The goal of education must always be the well-being of the whole child and the effects those children will have on the future of society. With cooperation and an open mind to new and progressive approaches, the world of tomorrow can be improved beyond anyone's wildest dreams.