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EDITOR: GEORGE H. MORRISON EDITORIAL HEA[)QUARTERS 1155 Sixteenth St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-872-4570 Teletype: 710-8220 151 Executive Editor: Josephine M. Petruzzi Managing Editor: Barbara Cassatt Associate Editor: Stuart A. Borman Assistant Editors: Marcia S.Cohen, Rani A. George Editorial Assistant: Douglas L. Baxter Production Manager: Leroy L. Corcoran Art Director: Johri V. Sinnett Staff Artist: Linda M. Mattingly Copy Editor: Gail M. Mortenson Circulation Manager: Cynthia G. Smith
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Precollege Education in Mathematics and Science In the recent past much has been written about the shortage of engineers and scientists in the U.S. At long last authorities are beginning to attack the source of the problem: the deteriorating state of precollege science education. Solutions to this country’s critical need for high school graduates with solid backgrounds in science and mathematics are soon to be explored by a new Commission on Precollege Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, just established by the National Science Board (NSB), the policy-making body of the National Science Foundation. According to Dr. Lewis M. Branscomb, Chairman of the NSB, “The quality and accessibility of education for our young people put a limit on everything we can accomplish as a nation.” Dr. John B. Slaughter, director of the NSF goes on to say that, “The decline in student achievement in mathematics and physical sciences a t the precollege level has reached a point where this country’s strength in science and technology may be affected.” Many excuses can be found for the decline of precollege education, but now is the time for action to correct this national problem. The commission is preparing to study the problem and establish a set of principles, options, and strategies that can be used to improve the quality of secondary school science and mathematics education. More important, however, are the concerns of a knowledgeable public and the increasing efforts of specialists in the generation of scientific knowledge and technological innovations. We scientists are the beneficiaries of a once-strong educational system, and we can individually recall those motivating factors that led to our embarking on exciting careers in our profession. It is time now for all of us to share our enthusiasm and commitment with future generations.
Manuscript requirements are published in the January 1982 issue, page 155. Manuscripts for publication (4 copies) should be submitted to ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY at the ACS Washington address. The American Chemical Society and its editors assume no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors. Views expressed in the editorials are those of the editors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the American Chemical Society.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 54, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1982
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