Students should be learning new problem solving approaches and techniques everyday, and learn how to decide which approaches are best for a particular situation. Students should be given real world applications of the mathematics and be encouraged to explore different ways to approach solutions. One area that has been missing in mathematics curriculum is the teaching of reading and writing. We encourage students to read in other disciplines, but mathematics has traditionally been manipulation of symbols. I think that students should be encouraged to read mathematics articles, write journals, and keep portfolios of their work.
Communication is the link to everything.
If we cannot communicate what we know and learn, it is not very useful. I think that students need more chances to use estimation skills, so that when they find a solution to a problem, they can decide whether it is reasonable. Estimation is an important everyday life skill. Driving, shopping, cooking, and other everyday activities involve estimation. Students would be well served to see more of it in school.