Is it possible to teach children not to be ignorant in these ways?

In Chapter 11 in the Ehrlich book, he makes the point about ignorance not being the same thing as stupidity. And just because someone has an education, it does not necessarily mean that they will not be ignorant of the social issues that we have been discussing. 

For this discussion, think about the American educational system. Is it possible to teach children not to be ignorant in these ways? Consider that much of what children and teens learn comes from their friends and family. But can our schools be a place where we might be able to overcome that ignorance? What would you teach American children and teens if you were developing a curriculum to try to do that?