For years educators have talked about the importance of creating a seamless K-16 or K-20 system of education, so students make progress toward a specific academic goal.

Few such efforts have had staying power. And that's detrimental to society, Times columnist Bill Maxwell writes.

"We have two separate cultures in education: elementary and secondary schools (K-12) and postsecondary schools (undergraduate and graduate institutions)," Maxwell writes. "This separation is expensive, wastes human capital and harms the public welfare."

Read his full column, and then let us know what you think.