Guest columnist Tom Watkins writes that Bill Ford Jr. (Ford CEO) sounded the warning bells that our nation is confronting a rapidly changing, disruptive, informational and technologically driven global economy that will defy predictability. He adds that we now are faced with a new reality that requires educational reforms in order for students to compete effectively in the world's job market. Watkins points out that educators will need to make significant improvements in enhancing quality and accountability, controlling health care and pension costs and consolidating, merging and, in some cases, eliminating school districts. He also urges parents and students to take advantage of "our great community colleges, apprenticeship programs or universities to advance your knowledge and skills."