There is growing dissatisfaction with the state of education in America, as evident in various concerning statistics and trends. Enrollment in colleges and universities peaked in 2010 but has been steadily declining since then, while over a quarter of K-12 students are now chronically absent. This discontent is not just vocalised but also manifested in actions, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among students.

Numerous factors contribute to this discontent, including mental health issues, the aftermath of the pandemic, technological disruptions, and policy failures in education. However, the root cause lies in the lack of novelty, engagement, and relevance in education for many students.

While it may sound harsh, descriptors such as “boring,” “outdated,” and “disconnected from the real world” have been more commonly associated with education than “exciting” or “engaging.” Only a small percentage of adults perceive their coursework as relevant to their daily lives, and even fewer K-12 students feel enthusiastic about learning.

This disconnect between education and real-world skills not only leads to declining attendance but also hampers employers’ ability to find qualified talent. Despite decades of emphasis on improving standardised test scores and initiatives like Common Core, there has been little progress in addressing this fundamental issue.

Currently, there is a lack of national focus on teaching and learning integration, with separate entities for education and labour. On average, students in the United States are required to take 112 standardised tests throughout their K-12 schooling. However, there are no national metrics in place to assess student engagement, participation in experiential learning opportunities, or integration of work experiences into their education.

While standardised testing remains prevalent, there are no national measures for student engagement or work-integrated learning. To address this discontent, education should focus on making learning more engaging and relevant.