America is in danger of losing its position as a world power because of its faltering education system. Yet, our leaders continue to select the usual interest groups (the "stakeholders") to make decisions, thus assuring the status quo. Globalization requires fresh thinking. To do nothing is to relegate our nation to a third-rate status. Our educational system is outdated and the quality of life we have enjoyed is no longer a given. Leaders must act in our national interest. Doing nothing should not be an option.

Make no mistake — doing the same thing while giving token platitudes to dedicated teachers and then treating them as though we are doing them a favor, is demeaning. It contaminates the learning environment and takes away the passion and energy teachers want and need to excite students about learning. Tom Friedman has pointed out that, instead of seeking teachers who are experts in a subject, one should seek out teachers that teach students the love of learning. That is a "highly qualified" teacher.

The renewing of education starts with a clear understanding of the problems our state faces in today's environment, not yesterday's; it requires leaders who can articulate and ensure all understand the problem and can provide a vision and invite all to share in offering solutions as to how to make it a reality. Leaders must then be clear on what needs to be accomplished, and trust in their people's talent to carry out the shared vision. Most important, leaders must create an environment that promotes risk-taking.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., at the summit, pointed out how the world has changed, what challenges we face and why we need to change. He set forth the vision for education — a world-class education for our students. The session, however, quickly skipped to a host of unrelated solutions without an understanding of the problems facing the state and how to restructure education so it is responsive to changes in today's global economy.

I just wonder if we had different eyes — line workers and customers — helping to understand the problem, maybe more out-of-the-box solutions would emerge. All too often, we have solutions looking for a problem. Maybe if we all agreed on the problem to be solved, who knows, we might reignite the passion teachers bring to students eager to be challenged.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, 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.