Other priorities now seem to prevail with the new generation of students. In recent years there has been a general trend across the nation to raise graduation requirements. The relatively small percent of the graduating class with the good math and science skills are in high demand to fill science and business based academic programs in college. The gradual growth in the number of students and test scores may significantly lag behind in demand for the foreseeable future. In 1993 there were over 900,000 high school teachers in US public schools.
Television seems to be an important influence on students as they consider occupations.
Not all occupations are equally represented in TV drama. They are frequently presented as important, with status, respect and success. Focus group and survey data also suggested a substantial lack of knowledge by parents, teachers and counselors about career choices. The nature of work for most jobs is now hidden from casual observation. In earlier times it was easy to view and understand the work of a shop keeper, farmer, assembly line worker and various crafts, trades and professions.