Process Versus Content in Education

Mr. Beall (Letter, New York Times, Jan 21st. 2015: A18) claims that  "the capacity for creative invention and entrepreneurship (grit), not the ability to memorize procedures and algorithms and recall facts" is what sets America apart and contributed to our innovation and economic successes in the 20th century.
He is wrong. First those he extols were the recipients of the traditional education that he despises. Second, innovation and entrepeneurship need to be built upon a solid foundation of knowledge. One needs to know what is possible before one can attempt the impossible.
Sent to New York Times