The widespread application of recombinant DNA technology provides but one example of the increasing pace of science and technology along with the resultant impact upon society. Yet most people in our society, particularly high school students, learn almost nothing about these and related advances in the biosciences. In general, our educational system does not adequately represent current developments in science and technology. This situation exists despite the widely held view that a sound education is essential for remaining competitive in a technological world and for dealing with the complexities of modern life. In its present form, our educational system is failing to meet our needs as a rapidly evolving society.
Schools traditionally respond slowly to innovation.
New developments travel a slow and ill-defined route before being integrated. As a result, the gap that separates contemporary developments in science and the manner in which they are represented in the schools grows ever wider. This is a problem for a society that is increasingly dependent upon knowledge that is both current and understandable. The problems in science education are deep and of long-standing. Short-term remedies only detract from the basic issues.