"The Soviet launch of Sputnik in 1957 captured the attention of Americans like no other event of its time. It convinced the United States of the need to greatly enhance science education at all levels to ensure that we would never again be caught off guard in an area so critical to our national well being (Friedman, 2010)."
In the article, What's Our Sputnik, op-ed columnist Thomas L. Friedman calls for a shift in national priorities and offers his perspective on what the United States must do to sustain its competitive edge in the coming years.
I agree with Thomas Friedman. On a local, state, and national level, we need to increase the emphasis and need for science education. Educators need to integrate STEM into their curriculum. Therefore, there needs to be an increase in the financial investment in science education.
The United States needs a new Sputnik-like event to spark attention and commitment to science education reform to bring it back to the forefront of global competition. Other countries are already emphasizing the importance of science education. This helps them to remain competitive with other countries.
Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17). What’s our Sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East Coast)], p. WK.8.
I agree with what you have stated. Do you also agree with his statement that they need to pull the funding for science education out of the Pentagon budget? How do you feel about funding the forces of other countries and yet we cut back on the educational costs of our own students.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you envision our next Sputnik to be?
Friedman made a lot of profound statements that could be read from many perspectives as well as 'beteween the lines'. I don't know what the USA's next Sputnik will be but hope it won't be born from a terrorist attack or nuclear war and weaponry. I think our constitution could be added to to protect our country as so many have taken advantage of our goodwill and have slapped us in the face with non-conformity and disobedience.
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband wanted my last son to attend a Technical Community colledge. I said, no. I am re-thinking that may have been a good idea.
ReplyDeleteObama said he chose to speak at Forsyth Technical Community College because it's a model of an educational institution that supplies everyone from high school graduates to laid-off auto workers with new skills to work in industries of the future.
Before his remarks he toured classrooms full of students in lab coats experimenting on cells and chromosomes, the sort of work he says will produce high wages and a competitive edge for the country.
If it is true, that we will need more technicians, perhaps more technical high schools could be stimulating, and prepare the students who may not become the scientists, but will provide a critical role and have good paying prospects.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700088851/Obama-warns-of-new-Sputnik-moment-for-America.html?s_cid=rss-32
Dear mlafay,
DeleteI think there is welcome room for more technical and 'trade' schools. Not everyone is 'cut out' to be an astrophysicist, or brain surgeon, and it would be advantageous for all if the supporting jobs had trained and certified employees working that arena.