As this election season hits full stride, the education debate among those holding and seeking public office appears short of discourse about a critical means to ensuring student success. Our students are rightfully being held to higher expectations, both in school and in their lives that follow as citizens and workers. Yet, too many students, educators and educational institutions lack the tools needed to meet educational goals. Therefore, candidates must be challenged to lead with a bolder vision that arms students and educators with the technology-based tools and practices needed to meet the demands of the new century. The future of our country is being determined every day in our nation's schools. Unfortunately, in too many cases, we are relying on yesterday's tools and methods. The technological innovations that have dramatically changed work-places, civic institutions and children's daily lives have largely bypassed schools. Too many educational institutions don't reflect this 21st century life and are therefore unable to adequately prepare students for that life. We need public officials who share this vision and are willing to not just hold schools accountable for student performance, but are willing to provide the leadership that ensures schools are equipped with the resources and trained educators to meet today's needs.