Yesterday, the Equity and Excellence Commission – an advisory committee chartered by Congress – issued a series of recommendations to Education Secretary Arne Duncan. The memo outlined federal policies that could help close the achievement gap and ensure all students across the country had an equal and fair shot at a quality education.

In last night’s final presidential debate on foreign policy, both candidates continued to address the importance of education. While traditional foreign policy experts might not place education at the top of the agenda, the truth is that it’s one of the greatest tools in our national security toolkit, and one that could use some sharpening.