4. The United States needs to close the K12 education gap with the rest of the industrialized world. Workforce and, therefore, economic development are both dependent on closing this performance gap. Students need and want real-world application of skills. Student engagement needs to be increased. Real-World relevance needs to be proven to our students. Schools need to attract and retain the best teachers. Teachers need the tools, training and skills to teach in new and innovative ways. This New World demands New Thinking.