Integrated Technology Education Group, LLC

The Changing World and the Importance of Quality Education

Changing demographics, and 21st century national priorities requires a review of education priorities and methods. Levels of success may be measured locally, but the true measure of the quality of student results and national resolve will be determined on a global scale.

We need to view global education in the same competitive terms that we view sports events, and we need to generate enthusiasm for its support as though our future depended on it...for it does.

The competition for our students will not be found in a local school district;

They are being educated in other countries.

The events of 21st Century have already proven to be influenced by demographics, limited resources, increased individual expectations and a greater dependency on technology. Countries throughout the world view these changes as having significant economic (and political) implications and look to an educated populace to gain incremental advantage. With over 1 billion children school age children globally (6% in the U.S.) the challenge to the United States is daunting. As a counter balance to demographic reality, access to a superior education system must be the norm for all, not the exception.

Education is the single largest "industry" in the world with one out of four members of the world's population participating.

STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are the economic drivers of our time. From research through manufacturing, the country that makes major commitments in these areas are the countries that will have the highest prospects for high economic growth, an enhanced 21st century national infrastructure, a strong technology based military, and improving living conditions for all.

Technology and low cost communications provide the means to provide a quality education to all, regardless of location. Those countries that can best marry these capabilities with the necessary supporting educational resources will be the future leaders among nations.

Globally, there will continue to be education challenges. Economic constraints, a lack of a sufficient quantity of qualified teachers, and in some countries, a lack of political will are but three. However, these weaknesses are not universal, and an assumption that needs to be made is that where these weaknesses exist, they will be addressed.

The United States cannot afford to be less than fully committed to providing an exceptional education experience to all. To do otherwise would make it increasingly difficult to meet our nation's goals. There are sobering statistics that need to be recognized and responded to - More than 50 percent of America's current science and engineering workforce is approaching retirement, while by the 12th grade American students score near the bottom in international math and science tests. At the same time, nations with significantly more school age students than are in the US have recognized the critical importance of a sound education foundation and are increasing resources devoted to this critical component of economic growth.

Describing the problem is relatively easy; devising and implementing solutions is more difficult - The Integrated Technology Education Group (ITEG,LLC) is positioned to support this effort.