Bad Education

Well W-F, the next step is to decide what we should be teaching. But before we do that, should we not ask why we teach in the first place? I think I covered that in my original comment:
1)Survive as an individual
2)Promote their families (i.e., next generation)
3)Sustain their culture.
To me, these seem self-evident, and we should develop up a set of purposes in education that serve these 3 purposes. I'm really open to suggestions besides these 6 that I propose for a she, the student:
1) She should possess the basic literacy skills.
2) She should be capable of assuming the duties of citizenship.
3) She should possess either vocational or career skills.
4) She should understand the cornerstones of our culture.
5) She should be capable of protecting and promoting her interests as an adult.
6) She should be prepared for lifelong learning.

This last means she will be both able and desirous of further learning. As Jen pointed out, we tend to turn students off to further learning. If someone has questions about these purposes, or would substitute some of their own, I'm all ears.
Alcuin