Recently, the Board of Regents enacted on an emergency basis a restructuring of Technology Education (T&E). The proposal pairs T&E together with Career and Technical Education (CTE) in a manner that dilutes Technology Education. In response, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE), led by their STEM representative Frank Roma, PE, send the following letter to the Board of Regents:
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July 7, 2017
New York State Education Department
Board of Regents
Attn: Vice Chancellor Brown
Re: Board of Regents Restructuring of Technology Education (T&E)
Dear Vice Chancellor Brown:
Recently, the Board of Regents enacted on an emergency basis a restructuring of Technology Education (T&E). The proposal pairs T&E together with Career and Technical Education (CTE) in a manner that dilutes Technology Education. These comments, by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE), are offered in an effort to secure a reversal of that decision.
One full year of Technology Education was made mandatory in 1986 for Middle School. As courses expanded, the correct name of Engineering and Technology Education was applied. Currently, the Regents diluted Technology and Engineering Education by conflating it with CTE. CTE trains students in particular career paths while T&E Education exposes student to STEM-related topics. T&E Education does two things for the students: (1) it exposes the student to STEM in an integrated way, allowing the student to see real world situations making the student much better informed regarding the breath of real world technology and engineering; and (2) it gives the student a more realistic idea of what STEM careers are about.
Diluting the requirement for T&E Education will harm the student by removing one of the likely few chances to see STEM topics in a practical course.
The New York State Society of Professional Engineers has long supported Technology and Engineering Education. Our country needs more citizens exposed to STEM to improve their knowledge, and we need more students in STEM careers, such as scientists and engineers.
Now is not the time to dilute Technology and Engineering Education. A teacher shortage can be a temporary situation. More effort is needed to bring students into technology teaching. It is our hope the Regents will review and reverse the earlier decision.
Yours truly,
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
NYSSPE Executive Director
Read Full Letter to Board of Regents
Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service.
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