Each of the initiatives suggested by the Commission has been tried for decades. The U.S. is already spending billions on planning, coordination, state needs analysis, teacher professional development, improvements in the system of teacher preparation, and teacher scholarships and fellowships. Every one of these initiatives is already helping prop up the system and needs the increased funding recommended by the Commission. However, if these props have failed to correct a problem that has been obvious since 1957, perhaps it is time to bring some new ideas to the table. Technology is transforming our economy and could do the same for education.
Technology has the potential to revolutionize what math and science can be taught across all grades.
Using appropriate software, students can experiment directly with atoms and see how their properties relate to how ice melts and bacteria reproduce. With portable computers equipped with sensors, they can collect important field data that can give them the facts to help clean up our environment. Using networking, students can analyze data from scientists, learn about new results before they can be incorporated into texts, and undertake international collaborative studies. Online testing will make student evaluation more accurate, continuous, timely, and helpful. Technology can also greatly improve teacher preparation and professional development.