To the extent that education is sold as "we're investing in the future of our society", then it seems to me that we'd want to concentrate just as much -- if not

To the extent that education is sold as "we're investing in the future of our society", then it seems to me that we'd want to concentrate just as much -- if not more -- on those that will be leaders, captains of industry, etc., as those that we're trying to just keep their heads above water. Are we building a nation that's prepared to just muddle along, or are we building a nation that, at least at its fore, will continue to excel (while hopefully lifting all boats in the rising tide)?