The Growing Education Deficit: Corrosion of Our National Security Underpinnings
Abstract
Over the last several decades the quality of American education in elementary and secondary schools (K-12) has been declining, and in several studies and publications, American students are lacking in the fundamental reading, mathematics, language, science, geography and foreign language skills. At the same time that the skills and capabilities are declining, the requirements for higher skilled workers in the public and private sectors is increasing. This increase is, in large part, due to the application of new technologies in nearly every sector of society. The difference between where the U.S. is in terms of cognitive skills, compared to where it needs to be, is what the author terms the education deficit. The author reviews the trends in education in relation to national security issues of national competitiveness and military effectiveness; and he discusses some implications for the Army. The conclusion is that the education deficit is corroding the essential elements of our national security and that education reform will be one of the most pressing national security issues for the United States in the decade of the 1990's.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA234980
Entities
People
- Ward B. Nickisch
Organizations
- United States Army War College