The digital world has made it possible for employers around the world to retain the services of educated and skilled workers anywhere in the global marketplace — and at less cost. While American engineers, on average, earn $45,000 a year, Indian engineers earn $7,500 a year — and there are more of them. The report estimates that China and India are graduating, with comparable qualifications, a combined 135,000 engineers a year compared with our 60,000. And it's not just about engineering. It's about mathematics, science and technology, as well.

China and India get it, as do other fast-developing nations. The advantage other nations have is that they are basically building their educational systems from scratch. While America's educational system was once the model others tried to emulate, many nations are now more effective in producing students with world-class standards. The United States is stuck trying to change an outdated system that has many special-interest groups concerned only about their survival.

The report is intended to provide a framework to begin a national dialogue to reform our schools. It has already drawn criticism from those within the system. But concerned citizens and their state leaders will find it important reading and a guide for taking action in educating our students for an ever-changing world. For more information on the report, visit www.skillscommission.org.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations and has served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net