Technology Teacher Education Programs in Colleges of Engineering and Technology: A Strategic Link with K-12 Education

摘要

The National Science Board's (NSB) Task Force on National Workforce Policies for Science and Engineering has raised concerns about declining numbers of students pursuing engineering and scientific careers in the US in their August, 2003, report The Science and Engineering Workforce: Realizing America's Potential. A national policy imperative was recommended by the NSB in this report: The Federal Government and its agencies must step forward to ensure the adequacy of the US science and engineering workforce. All stakeholders must mobilize and initiate efforts that increase the number of US citizens pursuing science and engineering studies and careers. (p. 10) Science and technology have been and will continue to be engines of US economic growth and national security. Excellence in discovery and innovation in science and engineering (S&E) derive from an ample and well-educated workforce - skilled practitioners with two- and four-year degrees and beyond, researchers and educators with advanced degrees, and precollege teachers of mathematics and science. Current trends of supply and demand for S&E skills in the workforce indicate problems that may seriously threaten our long-term prosperity, national security, and quality of life (p. 6).