I would say that the intellectual powers concerned about rising anti-intellectualism are actually guilt of perpetuating anti-intellectualism themselves. What I mean is that the same academy upholding rationality and materialism as the only valid worldview consistent with an objective corporate mind may be lacking in inquiry and wisdom. Too much of academia has come hand-in-hand with corrupt corporate forces along with materialist ideology. Science is NOT the only way to knowledge. There are still very much mysteries about life here on Earth. The reductionary methods of science have unfortunately led to an obsession with falsehoods in creating a convenient agriculture, food, technology and upheld as the "only answer to the world's problems" leading to a disdain for nature.
Now thats not to say materialism and hyper-rationalism are without benefit. Sure, the 21st century has seen improvements in many areas like medicalcare, sanitation, indoor heating systems, food production, and transportation. Perhaps it was necessary starting in the Enlightenment age to take a reductionary attitude to the universe as in that time period people were still so enamored by religious explanations making practical theories impossible. But today we have outgrown our sole reliance on a "rational universe" as explained by the scientists 200-years ago.
There is a situation in the modern US where religious fanatics and other ideology extremists are hijacking various topics from climate change to how national policies are set. But the answer to this extremism is not nessecarily a resurgence of the materialist universe. Below I'll explain just how to instill a more open-minded, worldly education in schools and society.
First, it doesn't surprise me that US ranks 21st on a list of country education rankings. In the US, education is not valued the same way sports and pop culture is valued. Public schools are employee-training ground for students to go on to a profitable and politically-correct job in the corporate world. Anyone who doesn't fit into that criteria is labeled geek, stupid, incompetent, and thrown into a special needs class where teachers act like babysitters. Much of my education was me labeled as stupid because I sucked at math and was placed into a special needs class for it. Another difference between US schools and other country's schools: in the US schools are expected to babysit kids who often come from dysfunctional, undisciplined homes where they spend an inordinate amount of time on video games and phones.
How to establish better education while actually teaching students the necessities of life? Bring back the arts and humanities along with real history classes. Also place some basic cooking classes in the school and financial management. After students learn the basics of math and science for a few years they can be allowed to choose electives ranging from music to Eastern philosophy. It might actually bring some excitement back into school instead of remembering for the test.
At the age of 15 the students can choose whether or not to continue their schooling or go into workforce or vocational program. The ones college-bound (a select few) would continue on to college. High education is not for everyone. Afterall, we all have different abilities and should not be projected onto the same course. So taxpayers only pay for the college of those exceptional students. Bring back practical jobs like building construction, food production, cleaners, writers, and small business management. An employee-education only creates a centralized mechanical corporate job world. We need to get away from this.
Well, hopefully I came up with a few good answers. Really public education today is boring and unimaginative. Bring back some interest and fun.