"Do you know"

I feel to stay ahead of other counties we need to do what they do...

That means aptitude testing. Those students that are mathematically gifted to forth in that. "Artistic", go forth in that subject and have a minimal amount of the other subjects.
That way the particular subject that they are well suited for; they will excel and go faster then a whole class trying to learn at the same time.
There is no one slowing them down.
The teachers would be far more compensated in their specialty( just like specialist physicians).
The instructors would be revered and their positions would be envied.

With this practice, we can tap into the most advance teachings. We would receive research and new concepts directly from the research facility's.
Each instructor would be intertwined with the facility's.
We would be at a minimum of three years ahead of the rest of the world.
Just like the early space race, we would only have this available to Americans.
I feel it is a serious problem that we teach the whole world ( several of whom, turn out to be enemy's). Our university's would only be for U.S. citizens!

We could help Third World nations, with say water and food and basic teaching. We would not out source any longer, only in the U.S. would we find the customer service for computers ect. If it is made here, then everything stays here.

With the training of China and India... They should be cut off from our education programs, except for special exchange.

With regards to the "traits"that we will need. We should set up every school to be similar to a boys and girls club. Except more militant. Initially everything would be structured with a far better and healthier food program, ( that the kids would participate in). Exercise would be mandatory also! Such problems as Yoga, running, training with weights and palates type exercises. Nothing that is demeaning as throwing the ball at each other, just to see who can bring up more welts on the other person.
Later, in school, the child will be given more liberties. There will be a reward system that will be so appealing, it would be hard not to want to comply. I also think that repeatedly showing of the reality of the world and giving them real world experience would be essential...
College should be partial school and partial hands on.
If a child feels comfortable and has self confidence in what the subject is, he or she should embrace it. This would be a start in the sprint ahead in the future