02_19_2026 Dave Lent - Rethinking Education for a Changing Economy

Rethinking Education for a Changing EconomyDescription:At a recent City Club of Idaho Falls forum, Senator Dave Lent explored how Idaho’s education system must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.Drawing on history, economic trends, and his own experience growing up in eastern Idaho and working at the Idaho National Laboratory, Senator Lent discussed how today’s public education system was largely designed more than a century ago to serve an industrial economy. In contrast, today’s students are entering a world shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and a knowledge-based economy.During the presentation, Lent asked participants to reflect on three key questions:• What is the purpose of public education today?• How can trust in public education be rebuilt?• How can business and industry play a stronger role in preparing students for the workforce?The discussion highlighted how Idaho’s schools are performing well relative to national averages despite receiving significantly less funding than many other states. Lent emphasized the need to move beyond rigid systems built around seat time and standardized testing toward more flexible approaches that focus on skills, outcomes, and workforce readiness.He also explored emerging ideas such as competency-based learning, stronger collaboration with industry, and community school models that connect education with healthcare, social services, and local needs.The conversation ultimately focused on a central question facing educators, policymakers, and communities alike:What should Idaho’s education system look like 20 years from now—and how do we begin building it today?Click here for Slides from the presentation: https://ifcityclub.com/slides/