Societal and Educational Projections, Appendix A. Vol. II, A Plan for Managing the Development, Implementation and Operation of a Model Elementary Teacher Education Program.

Overview & Synopsis

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe background information and possible indicators for future planning of elementary education, as a prerequisite to planning realistic education programs for early childhood and elementary school teachers. Developments considered include population growth, changing cultural characteristics, continued urbanization, changes in governmental relationships, multiple-vocations and increased leisure, and the increasing accumulation of scientific and technical knowledge. An attempt is made to define broad, guideline trends in education, but with the realization that current and past innovations have not been readily accepted by educators. The major trends appear to be 1) educational population growth, including the increasing need for preschool and adult education; 2) educational goals and objectives, with a potential conflict between the technological and humanistic approach; 3) change in educational administration and organization, with pressures for greater centralization, and changes in the role of state departments of education; 4) changes in school organization, methodology, and curricular patterns; and 5) the effects on education of developments in educational technology, media, and materials. Much greater emphasis is predicted on preschool and childhood education, as an extension of the regular curriculum and organization. Related documents are SP 004 156 to SP 004 166. (MBM)