Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 53MB], the September 19, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.

This episode features insights into the rapidly changing world, one driven by technology and innovation, filled with new competitors around the globe who are challenging America’s economic leadership. The program explores approaches to ensuring our students graduate with the mathematics, science and technical skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century workforce where 90 percent of the jobs will require some postsecondary education. It addresses questions such as:

• What does “global competitiveness” mean, and why is it important to schools and families?
• Why is it critical that students take more mathematics, science and critical language courses in high school? How can parents encourage this, along with Advanced Placement and other challenging coursework?
  
• How will the American Competitiveness Initiative help to prepare students for academic and career success in the fields of math, science and engineering?
• What can parents do in the home and outside of school to increase their children’s interest in math and science courses and careers?
• Now that summer has passed, what steps can parents take to help their children successfully transition back into school?
• What should students be learning in math and science at the elementary, middle and high school grades? How can parents find out their child’s math or science teacher is “highly qualified?”
  

For more information about this program, please see the U.S. Department of Education's show notes.

Listeners may also be interested in the work of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, of which Cable in the Classroom is a founding board member, as well as the Spring 2006 edition of Threshold, focused on high school reform and competitiveness.

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