As previously expressed, America’s academics are on an uncountable descent, which could result in major economic repercussions. “The most serious problem is in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), where there are almost 3 million unfilled jobs, but only about 300,000 graduates annually” (Vindis). This shortage of national-born workers who are experienced in the STEM field leaves employers with two choices: import costly foreign labor or move operations abroad (Vindis). Both of these options impact the economy negatively. The decline of knowledge in the STEM area is reducing the volume of basic research which increases knowledge and innovation. The U.S. is no longer the “Colossus of Science,” dominating the research
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Forbes magazine reported that, “75% of U.S. citizens ages 17-24 cannot pass military entrance exams” (Crotty 2). Basic skills that are a necessity in modern warfare, such as being capable of reading a map in order to locate military theaters in which the U.S. in currently engaged, is a skill which many applicants are incapable of demonstrating due to improper schooling. Moreover, the 25% of Americans who drop out of high school will also render themselves unqualified for serving in the United States military. In addition, some who do receive their four-year degree still lack the rudimentary math, science, and English competency to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (2). If the American school system fails to produce intelligent individuals, the number of qualifying military applicants will soon dwindle, subsequently putting national security at …show more content…
Oftentimes, when this issue of education downfall is examined, the majority of emphasis is on the mechanics of the problem: curriculum, testing standards, etc., but the most vital aspect is overlooked—the students and their desire to learn. According to a National Research Council report on motivation, “Upwards of 40 percent of high school students are chronically disengaged from school” (Motivation Matters” 1). Students who are bored or inattentive or who put little effort into schoolwork are unlikely to benefit from better standards, curriculum, and instruction unless schools, teachers, and parents take steps to address their lack of motivation. On the opposing side of the spectrum, students who are motivated to learn have higher achievement, show better understanding of the concepts which are taught, and are more satisfied with school (1). As with all things, there are both effective and ineffective means of motivating students. For
Forbes magazine reported that, “75% of U.S. citizens ages 17-24 cannot pass military entrance exams” (Crotty 2). Basic skills that are a necessity in modern warfare, such as being capable of reading a map in order to locate military theaters in which the U.S. in currently engaged, is a skill which many applicants are incapable of demonstrating due to improper schooling. Moreover, the 25% of Americans who drop out of high school will also render themselves unqualified for serving in the United States military. In addition, some who do receive their four-year degree still lack the rudimentary math, science, and English competency to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (2). If the American school system fails to produce intelligent individuals, the number of qualifying military applicants will soon dwindle, subsequently putting national security at …show more content…
Oftentimes, when this issue of education downfall is examined, the majority of emphasis is on the mechanics of the problem: curriculum, testing standards, etc., but the most vital aspect is overlooked—the students and their desire to learn. According to a National Research Council report on motivation, “Upwards of 40 percent of high school students are chronically disengaged from school” (Motivation Matters” 1). Students who are bored or inattentive or who put little effort into schoolwork are unlikely to benefit from better standards, curriculum, and instruction unless schools, teachers, and parents take steps to address their lack of motivation. On the opposing side of the spectrum, students who are motivated to learn have higher achievement, show better understanding of the concepts which are taught, and are more satisfied with school (1). As with all things, there are both effective and ineffective means of motivating students. For