Mapping the Future Success of Public Education‪.‬

MAPPING THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION As we quickly move forward in the information age our nation's public school systems are placed precariously at a crossroad. While most school districts strive to incorporate new technologies, many teachers simply don't have the luxury of time to teach material that may not be directly aligned with state and federally mandated high stakes tests, including new computer technology skills. There is an urgent need to educate our students in technology, driven by the business and world economies. We must become a premier digital nation or face the consequences of not taking action. The ramification of these students falling through the cracks strikes at the heart of public education and bankrupts all stakeholders: parents, teachers, school administrators, students, and society at large. Teaching GIS and geospatial technology may be just the boost our public educational system needs to adequately prepare students for entrance into the emerging global society.