How can one improve the quality of education in grades k-12 in the American educational system?

In your groups I want you use the critical thinking model to address and develop an analyses of education in America. The question at issue is How can one improve the quality of education in grades k-12 in the American educational system?

One of my assumptions is that our educational system is not competitive in the global market place relative to many other countries. One writer suggested, If we wish to provide America with an educational system to insure they could not compete in the global market, we would give them the one they have. You are welcome to challenge this assumption in your discussion but do so with good data.
Some data you may wish to find on the internet are as follows:What is the average expenditure per student for public education in the U.S.?

What are some average expenditure per student in some other industrialized countries?

What is the average expenditure per student for private education?

What is the average starting pay for a teacher in the public schools?

What is the average starting pay for a teacher in the private schools?

What is the wage difference for and English teacher and for a math teacher?

How do U.S. students compare on standardized test to students from selected countries?

What are some other measures of quality of instruction for comparison purposes?

As you analyze the question, use the critical thinking elements to check your critical thinking skills. You are responsible for discussing this in your group this week and I will be reading the discussions and post comments on the discussion board under general course questions. I am particularly interested in seeing your conclusions as to what needs to done. Please keep in mind that critical thinking is not about ones opinion. I want to see deep thinking and intellectual honesty. In addition, it is good to reference sources of material. Once we complete the discussion of critical thinking and I will apply these skills to the analysis of education in America with a third mini-lecture that will be available in Module 1. The video attempts to provide a larger perspective on thinking for your edification. The material contained in this mini lecture is not material you will see on any test or ever be asked by me to discuss. The mini lecture is just something I wanted to provide to demonstrate critical thinking.
Please be sure to attach references such as websites and/or books.