Education and Work: A Congressional Perspective.

Overview & Synopsis

Education should be responsible for giving the student a deeper appreciation of cultural and aesthetic values as well as a better understanding of ethical and moral precepts underlying society. These responsibilities are often unfulfilled because of the failure to teach basic reading, writing, and communication skills at the elementary level and the ignoring of moral judgments at the post secondary level. A solid grasp of fundamental skills and an appreciation of the moral underpinnings of society are two basic needs education should meet which have a considerable effect on the relationship between education and work. Preparing students to function effectively in productive jobs is a fundamental responsibility of education. This view is shared by Congress and is manifested by the increasing financial support for vocational education from the Federal government. Congress also seeks to improve its data-gathering techniques in labor market information and tries to help educators experiment with models for effective career education programs. It places a high priority upon vocational education being closely related to the actual employment market. The need for career education programs can be met by utilizing trained counseling and guidance personnel and a closer cooperation between school and community. (Author/EC)