Thank you for your thoughts Mike.  I hope this forum allows for a dialogue with many people from all walks of life.  It is my hope that when we see a common purpose, we can move forward toward finding solutions rather than just digging in our heels.  I want the answer to be yes more often than no.

So I come to your first point, teaching the Bible in school.  I think our kids would benefit from a broader exploration of faith traditions.  The question is always which God do we teach about?  I'd like us to learn about all the Gods and learn from those that have none at all.  Our inability to find a way to discuss this important part of culture contributes to our continued misunderstandings, discrimination, and prejudice.  It is difficult to hate those you know and understand, those who are shown to be "just like us" in so many ways.  I am not suggesting this is easy, nor do I want schools to become places of worship, but I do think we need to learn about God in schools.  We need well trained, qualified teachers to help our students understand the nuances and subtleties of religious tradition, just as we need qualified teachers to help our students understand literature, chemistry, or calculus.

As for your second commentary about what we teach kids, that is the ongoing educational discussion.  The balancing act between accountability through standardized testing and teaching what is "good for kids" is a tightrope that we do not walk easily. Yesterday I read a blog post about upending our curriculum and creating a focus much more in line with what you are suggesting.  Perhaps you might find it thought-provoking.  http://www.chicagonow.com/soul-to-soul-perspective/2012/12/newtown-connecticut-time-to-change-the-way-we-educate-our-children/