Is a widening "skills gap" in science and math education threatening America's future? That is the seminal question addressed in The U.S. Technology Skills Gap, a comprehensive 104-year review of math and science education in America. Some claim this "skills gap" is "equivalent to a permanent national recession" while others cite how the gap threatens America's future economic, workforce employability and national security.
This much is sure: America's math and science skills gap is, or should be, an issue of concern for every business and information technology executive in the United States and The U.S Technology Skills Gap is the how-to-get involved guidebook for those executives laying out in a compelling chronologic format:
- The history of the science and math skills gap in America
- Explanation of why decades of astute warnings were ignored
- Inspiring examples of private company efforts to supplement public education
- A pragmatic 10-step action plan designed to solve the problem
- And a tantalizing theory of an obscure Japanese physicist that suggests America's days as the global scientific leader are numbered
Engaging and indispensable, The U.S. Technology Skills Gap is essential reading for those eager to see America remain a relevant global power in innovation and invention in the years ahead.
Praise for The U.S. Technology Skills Gap
"The U.S. Technology Skills Gap is a compelling 'call to action' to address the decline of one of the most basic building blocks for the future of our economy: world-class math and science skills. Gary Beach explains why solving this problem must be America's highest national priority."
-Tony Scott, Chief Information Officer, Microsoft Corporation
"Beach's book is a badly needed, data-driven wake-up call, challenging educators, politicians, parents, and voters to a national debate aimed at rescuing much of American education from its still-rising tide of mediocrity. The book's high-spirited style invites a reader who may not agree with a specific proposal to get serious and develop a practical, evidence-based alternative. For above all, the status quo is no longer acceptable."
-Dr. Gerald Holton, member of 1983 National Commission on Excellence in Education and principal writer, A Nation at Risk; Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics, Harvard University
"Gary Beach could not have taken on a more timely or important subject. Science and math education is the key to America's future. Yet our approach to teaching science, technology, engineering, and math has not changed as the stakes have. With keen insight, Beach explains how we got here, what changes we must make, and why this is a problem that every CEO and citizen should care about."
-Wendy Kopp, Chief Executive Officer and founder, Teach for America
"The lack of science and math skills among our nation's students is one of the greatest threats to American competitiveness. Gary Beach's thorough examination of how the U.S. has reached this precarious point is a startling walk through history. The innovative efforts he highlights, and his recommendations to improve public education in America, should serve as guideposts to those with the passion and nerve to act."
-Dr. Jim Goodnight, Chief Executive Officer, SAS
"A society is defined by its product development and manufacturing ingenuity built on a foundation of math and science knowledge. Given our record over the last number of years, are the best days of the U.S. behind us? Not if Gary Beach and The U.S. Technology Skills Gap can help it!"
-Ralph Szygenda, former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, General Motors Corporation
"This book is a sober reminder of the crisis our country faces in producing a 21st-century workforce that will enable America to continue to lead the world. It also clearly points out that while government-backed education is a large part of the problem, it is unlikely to be part of the solution any time soon. The crisis is being addressed initially by those who most critically need well-educated workers-the employers of this country. Their grass-roots efforts and experimentation are providing bright spots that can influence and hopefully change the system in time to make a difference."
-Paul Otellini, member of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness; former President and Chief Executive Officer, Intel Corporation
