Education in America, Essay Example

Introduction

Research has indicated that standard K-12 education in the USA has some serious shortfalls and is need of considerable improvements.  Research conducted 5 years ago highlighted a number of deficiencies and these still remain today.  These include lack of teaching method standards, the inability of teachers to address skill gaps in their students (primarily as a result of large student allocations) and the lack of appropriate teaching backgrounds in important subject areas like Science and Mathematics. (Mitra). The increased use of technology is an enabling system capable of enhancing and improving both teaching and learning in support of the Common Core standards.

Improving the standard of Education

The increase in the use of technology to support the K-12 education in the USA has been advocated by a study undertaken by the Brookings Institute. They consider that current advanced in broad band technology and common core state standards (CCSS) facilitate new innovative approaches for learning and teaching. Many technology companies like Dell and Apple are offering relatively inexpensive educational technical support software.  Educational institutes are able to find technology support provided they have the awareness and budgets to support technological improvements. In addition teachers should become more technology aware in the delivery and development of educational curriculum.

Lack of investment in technology has made many schools reluctant to invest in improved technology solutions.  (Jones).   America does seem to be losing ground in staying as a global leader in the educational market place.  It is important that the CCSS program is supported by an appropriate investment in technology support in both hardware and software applications. Both State and Federal Governments should be helping to support schools in finances to support technology innovation.

Further, the lack of innovation in the education and teaching community and general lack of strategic planning to make the changes required.   The National Academy of Science has indicated that we need around 10,000 new Science and Maths teachers. This has not been ignored and STEM programmes are attempting to address this ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).  (Thompson).

Conclusion

The problem is not confined to the USA alone. In the UK they have indicated the serious decline of Teachers in Mathematics and Sciences and warned of the consequences to the economy of a new generation without science, engineering and mathematical skills. (Science News Daily). Improved use of technology is not the sole solution to the problem; it is also the need to address the shortage of Maths and Science teachers in the school and equally ensure that this remains an important part of the curriculum.  The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are attempting to remediate the problem by gaining a degree of consistency and quality standards imposed across the States.

Works Cited

Jones, A. Chatterji and B. Harnessing technology to improve K-12 education. 1 9 2012. 6 10 2012 <http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2012/09/27-education-technology>.

Mitra, Sramana. Forbes. 4 1 2010. 6 10 2012 <http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/14/online-education-innovation-intelligent-technology-mitra.html>.

Science News Daily. UK ‘faces science skill shortage’. 2009. 6 10 2012 <http://www.sciencenewsdaily.org/sci-other-news/cluster184992642/>.

Thompson, Julie. Improving the Nation’s K-12 STEM Education: One School’s Program for Educating Future Teachers. 11 6 2011. 6 10 2012 <http://www.todaysengineer.org/2011/Jun/STEM-Ed.asp>.