Friedman 2010 states in his article:
“Our response to Sputnik made us better educated, more productive, more technologically advanced and more ingenious." If "Sputnick" was our last encounter to strive and in other words prove how thriving our nation could be, then the turn of this 21st Century in regards to the U.S. should be centered around STEM education for our learners. The problem that seems to occur in repetition for our education system in the U.S. involves funding, proper training in this area of expertise, and support from parents and/or administration. Expectations have to be established at the beginning of each school term as well as throughout the year to re-enforce the importance of education in our schools.
We are not at a point of playing the blame game as to why and how our Educational System has fallen in comparing to other countries. In my opinion, we should stand as a country re-building, securing our future status through our learners. More focus should be added toward strategies of old, that as the world envisions have become outdated, and speaking of which including the parent(s) as a direct source for assistance in positive re-enforcement from the student. This is only a building of foundation, yet the next opposition lies with support of policy makers and upper echelon officials that see very little of and educator's role, along with the day-to-day battles to being an educator. In fact, Dakairi 2009 states:
"At the local level, such skills should be incorporated into the professional development of teachers, the report says, and a top school administrator should be charged with focusing on integrating the skills into the school district. Local governments should also bring together educators and business leaders to make sure the skills students learn in school are aligned with the region’s economic-development needs." Without proper training and guidance, we are facing a no win battle for our future.
Resources
Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17). What’s our Sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East Coast)], p. WK.8.
Traurig, A., & Feller, R. (2010). Preparing students for STEM careers. National Career Development Association. Retrieved from http://www.associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/6234/_PARENT/layout_details/false
Aarons, D. I., New Skills Seen Essential For Global Competition Published in Print: September 17, 2008, as Global Economy Demands New Skills, Report Says
