The Case for Preservice Economic Education
16 Pages Posted: 3 Oct 2005
Date Written: September 22, 2005
Abstract
By the beginning of the 21st century economics had been included among the subjects for which 49 states had adopted mandatory academic standards or guidelines. A first-time assessment of 12th grade students in economics was scheduled by the National Assessment of Education Progress for 2006. However, the training of teachers in economics has not kept pace with the increased emphasis on teaching economics at the K-12 levels. This paper argues that preservice economic education courses, undergraduate economics courses designed specifically for future K-12 teachers, are superior to inservice programs as a means of preparing teachers to implement their states' economics standards. A sample outline for a preservice economic education course and advice for instructors of preservice courses are included.
JEL Classification: A20
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation