Is common ground possible in an age of extreme polarization? Perhaps! “Toward a Potential Grand Bargain for the Nation” is a new report by a group of experts from think tanks and academia meant to share consensus “policies in each of these areas: economic growth and mobility; education; environment; health; taxes; and the federal budget.” (One of the experts is economist Michael Strain, here at AEI.)

The report is short, only about 30 pages, and quite readable. If you have an interest in possible solutions to some of the biggest problems facing America, you should check it out. Lots of great charts, by the way. Take these three, for example, from the education section:

Obviously, the return on investment here isn’t what Americans should want or expect. Specifically, the scholars agree that the American education system requires significant reform, particularly in K-12, with persistent performance gaps across socioeconomic and racial lines. While the system has shifted focus toward equity, it must balance this with academic achievement and job-relevant skills. Also: Funding alone isn’t the core issue.

And the solutions offered (in brief)? 

• Robust testing and accountability systems must be maintained to track and improve school performance.
• Charter schools’ proven success warrants expanding school choice options for families.
• Technology should focus on personalized learning tools where proven effective.
• Teacher quality requires strengthening through national standards and targeted incentives.
• Early education and community college programs need quality-focused expansion.
• Parent and community engagement is essential for reducing absenteeism and supporting learning.
• Educational research and evaluation capacity must be enhanced at federal and state levels.

From the report:

In the end, learning requires teachers who are skilled at imparting knowledge, managing classrooms, and helping the less advantaged achieve their potential. In America’s classrooms, too many students deserve better. Both additional financial resources and stronger accountability are needed to unlock the potential of schoolchildren and build the human capital that will provide the foundation for the economy of the future. But teachers and schools cannot carry the full load alone. Parents and communities must support their local schools, including by making sure that students attend school, give serious attention to their studies, and treat education like the investment it is.