In the Washington Post this morning, Norman Augustine points out the importance of the U.S. deterioration in our scientific and technical education:
"... the U.S. educational system is failing in precisely those areas that underpin our competitiveness: science, engineering and mathematics. In a recent international test involving mathematical understanding, U.S. students finished 27th among the participating nations. In China and Japan, 59 percent and 66 percent, respectively, of undergraduates receive their degrees in science and engineering, compared with 32 percent in the United States."
He explains that, with the ability to quickly and easily do work around the world, it is critical that our citizens are well-educated so that we can compete with the Indians, Chinese, or others aspiring to do cutting edge work. The article is worth a read.
Comments