Does modern education stifle creativity?

I have some very strong feelings about modern education.  I have a special needs child, and I feel that my child “was left behind.”  Occassionally I find a few blog entries that will start some conversation.  Today, Ben asks:  Will our school system survive transition to the creative age?  My daughter has shown an incredible flair for things on the computer.  Her learning mode is very visual.  My wife and I were involved parents.  With all the technology around us, much of which my daughter has shown some interest in, even if she doesn’t understand it all, couldn’t we have helped her be more prepared as an adult?  Many special needs children have shown incredible creativity.  Is society overlooking an untapped resource?  Could it be leveraged to a greater degree if the education system was less “grade oriented” and more focused on developing the talents of the children it is supposed to teach?  Wouldn’t these children be happier as they find themselves a part of society, instead of standing by on the fringes – the fringes where the education system has put them?

Addendum:  Check out this comment on Ben’s blog (all the comments are good, BTW):  Is the vocational approach a better solution? 

More (sorry, if you read from a feeder):  Ben has another post worth reading:  Can You Imagine if You Needed an MBA to Be in Business?  My neighbor would have to shut down his landscaping business!