Extensive change in the current educational system is needed. The major problems are: (1) Children do not relate their school experience to life experience; (2) The basic purpose, format, and curriculum of schools have not changed fundamentally since medieval times; (3) Fragmented advocacy groups and no central educational organization representing all education have diminished leadership on all fronts. Proposed solutions include: (1) Increase the level of professional competence and the number of competent professionals; (2) Form a central policy-making organization for education; (3) Improve the knowledge base for educators; (4) Improve school/community/home relations; (5) Alter curriculum to emphasize life competencies; (6) Make education a lifelong experience; and (7) Restructure roles of teachers and administrators to help children adapt to modern society. (SAS)