Education for a High Technology Future: The Debate over the Best Curriculum.

Overview & Synopsis

The 10 essays and reports collected here offer various perspectives on elementary and secondary curricula most appropriate to a future of rapid technological change. Articles by the National Science Board, Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr, the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), Shirley McCune for the Education Commission of the States (ECS) "Issuegram," and the Leadership Conference on Education and Economic Growth, prescribe education emphasizing math, science, and technical skills. The National Science Board urges increasing the mathematics, science, and technology literacy of all citizens, and Orr stresses expertise for defense and international economic competition. OTA outlines the possibilities information technology offers education. McCune recommends state initiatives, while the Leadership Conference advises a comprehensive federal policy for upgrading education. Proponents of a strong general education are Richard Hersch, George Bonham, Wynn De Bevoise, Herbert Bienstock, and Henry Levin and Russell Rumberger. Hersch recommends rethinking the goals, finance, and structure of our crumbling educational system, and Bonham endorses education in the humanities and liberal arts to give meaning to work. De Bevoise supports a foundation of basic skills as well as specialized training, while Bienstock proposes improving skills for the existing jobs that will remain in high demand. Levin and Rumberger foresee an expansion of lowest skill jobs, rather than high tech opportunities. (MJL)