Ways to Improve the Education System

The American education system has been both praised and criticized.  While many have their own opinions, there is a general consensus that we, as a country, can do better for our young people learning fundamental information for their lives.  An easy first step would be to get completely rid of standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.  These tests do nothing for the student except give them stress about their futures and having them question how smart they are.  They do nothing to prepare students for college or careers.  Corporate officials often complain that students are not getting the correct skills that they need for the modern workplace.  The tests also do not accurately measure what students have learned.  The limited time frame and stress of a test taking environment often lead students to a poor score even though they have mastered the material.  The students are then told to go to classes which help them with standardized test taking skills which, in turn, takes away any sort of assessment and just helps the students in taking that test.  In fact, the main reason these tests still exist is because the companies making them are generating millions upon millions in making students struggle to function at a college or career level and further damage a crippling workplace.  Really all we need to do is eliminate standardized tests to provide an environment where students can actually think critically and properly understand material that will properly prepare them for life in the real world.