Most 17- and 18-year-olds bypass their final two years of high school. Teachers earn up to $110,000 a year. A powerful Ministry of Education in Charleston assumes power that county boards of education once exercised.

On Wednesday, state Board of Education members learned more about a new type of school system from Marc Tucker, president of the National Center on Education and the Economy.       

The NCEE relies on government funds and private donations to develop programs to help American workers better compete in a global economy.  

Tucker said the nation's workers will risk ever-plummeting wages if Americans don't better compete with foreign nations such as China, India and Russia. Globalization will attract more top companies to land overseas, where skilled workers demand less money than Americans.

To correct the problem, Tucker proposes a near-complete overhaul of the American public education system.

He foresees a system that graduates 60 percent of 16-year-olds and sends them off to college. The billions that would save in costs would help pay high-qualified teachers an average of $95,000 a year. A central state office would send money directly to schools, not local school districts. Schools would be run by third-party organizations that are mostly teacher partnerships, he said. Those organizations would be under contract to local boards of education.

The wealthiest communities across the country always draw the best teachers, Tucker said. He believes his plan would even the playing field.

Billions would also be used to expand early education to 3- and 4-year-olds. He also wants more help for schools with disadvantaged students. That means a longer school day and more tutoring, counseling and other services.

"I offer you a design for something a little different," Tucker said. "Actually, a lot different."

Tucker wants to decide next month what states his organization will work with to map out such a plan. He wanted to gauge the state board's interest.

On Wednesday, state Board of Education members learned more about a new type of school system from Marc Tucker, president of the National Center on Education and the Economy.       

The NCEE relies on government funds and private donations to develop programs to help American workers better compete in a global economy.  

Tucker said the nation's workers will risk ever-plummeting wages if Americans don't better compete with foreign nations such as China, India and Russia. Globalization will attract more top companies to land overseas, where skilled workers demand less money than Americans.

To correct the problem, Tucker proposes a near-complete overhaul of the American public education system.

He foresees a system that graduates 60 percent of 16-year-olds and sends them off to college. The billions that would save in costs would help pay high-qualified teachers an average of $95,000 a year. A central state office would send money directly to schools, not local school districts. Schools would be run by third-party organizations that are mostly teacher partnerships, he said. Those organizations would be under contract to local boards of education.

The wealthiest communities across the country always draw the best teachers, Tucker said. He believes his plan would even the playing field.

Billions would also be used to expand early education to 3- and 4-year-olds. He also wants more help for schools with disadvantaged students. That means a longer school day and more tutoring, counseling and other services.

"I offer you a design for something a little different," Tucker said. "Actually, a lot different."

Tucker wants to decide next month what states his organization will work with to map out such a plan. He wanted to gauge the state board's interest.

"Our report is a framework," he said. "It is not a blueprint."

Board members are skeptical. They plan to further discuss Tucker's ideas today. 

Board President Delores Cook said the state already set goals of high student achievement under its Partnership for 21st Century Learning. Board members also noted the state's expanded early childhood program.   

Cook does not like that some teachers would earn about $100,000 while others would not. Tucker said that would depend on how a teacher structures his or her retirement plan.

Board member Priscilla Haden, a former Kanawha County school board member, is against a weakened role for local districts. Board member Lowell Johnson said some of Tucker's ideas would conflict with state code. He also questioned the role of third-party administrators.

Tucker realized a need for new legislation. He also knows that his ideas would fit best if some counties volunteered to test it and no timetables are set.

"You don't want to ram this down people's throats," he said.

Tucker said if today's leaders don't make drastic changes, they will fail future generations.

"They will be struggling like hell to make ends meet," he said. "All I have to offer you is major changes from the way we do business."

To contact staff writer Davin White, use e-mail or call 348-1254.