I see your point (btw, thanks for posting, interesting to see the academic view) ... but there are distinct skills needed, in addition to critical thought or reasoning. Also, I would argue that critical thought can be taught with less of some subjects, then focus those in conceptual areas of your fields. I need someone who has distinct skills, but also can see the forest from the trees ... while working through new problems. Most of that is strategic thinking, reasoning ... with a larger amount of communication.

Personally, I have 3 young kids (one middle, two elementary) and I think it all needs to be rethought. As an example, we have way to much Social Studies and History. Maybe 4-6 years total. History, Local, Geography and Current events is all you need. My kids are learning way to much in this area, but not enough in areas like personal finance, economics, public speaking, technology, math, etc. Lower schools also don't challenge kids now ... they teach to the lowest common denominator in each class. Luckily, I can afford tutors and educational camps, despite all my kids getting straight A's. This gives us time to learn ahead because the schools today don't challenge the smart/driven kids IMO, they only facilitate and focus on standard test scores.

People really need to rethink education IMO. Too much time for too little value and I have two degrees. Not sure I would do that again though if I had to do over.

I am thinking about starting a charity actually for some property I am buying. I would use this to pay tutors for middle/lower class kids who could use a leg up. Would be a good way to give back to those who need it and to patch a system that needs revamping (at least for my tenants).