On June 10, 2007, Jim Rex became the S.C. State Superintendent of Education. He made many promises including accelerating innovations, expanding public school choices, and elevating and reinvigorating teachers.

If I were the superintendent I would try to implement the above promises.

Since attending Salem Academy in Winston Salem, N.C., I have seen how accelerating innovations can be beneficial. For example, Jan Term is a three week program allowing juniors and seniors to try an internship that may help them decide their career.

It is also beneficial to have a teacher who is passionate about what he or she is teaching. This type of person gets the students more involved and more willing to learn.

Within weeks of taking office, Jim Rex revealed his public school choice plan, which included single gender education and the Montessori Method. However, this plan was eventually vetoed by Governor Mark Sanford because the bill would have required all S.C. schools to offer at least one additional curriculum choice within two years, and this was seen as being a change that would be too quick for all S.C. schools to put in to effect so soon.

Coming from an allgirls' school, I have discovered the benefits of a single gender education. Without boys, my classrooms are more focused on learning. The atmosphere is less social, and there is not as much peer pressure.

The Montessori Method promotes a more hands- on experience and encourages students to think creatively. This method can be successful, especially in pre school and elementary school where younger kids often have a hard time sitting in a structured classroom setting all day. This method allows students to work at their own pace and doesn't force a competitive atmosphere.

What is the biggest problem with education today? Students are given information, and then they simply regurgitate it. The goal of education shouldn't be learning what to think, but how to think.