Reflections on Technology Education in Wisconsin.

Overview & Synopsis

This brochure describes PreK-12 technology education in Wisconsin. The first section briefly summarizes Wisconsin's state content standards in the areas of nature of technology, systems, human ingenuity, and impact of technology. The second section covers technology education program scope and sequences for grades PreK-4 (early technology inquiry), grades 5-8 (technology exploration), and grades 9-12 (technology exploration and application). The third section discusses the following components of technology education programs: technology education for all students; career development; curriculum alignment and integration; university and college while in high school; business and industry partnerships; student organizations; and national and state technology organizations. A sidebar describes the TACKLE (Technology Action Coalition to Kindle Lifelong Equity) Box Project, a statewide initiative to increase the number of young women in technology education. The fourth section addresses technological literacy, including the following features of a new framework for technology education: broad, long-term conception of work; strengthened academic foundation; strong secondary-postsecondary connections; and emphasis on long-term careers, beyond entry-level jobs. The fifth section is a list of Web resources for Wisconsin technology education, curriculum and instruction, technology-related programs and information, career and labor market information, student associations, and nation and state technology organizations. (MES)