The Growing Importance of International Education. Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley (La Maison Francaise, Washington, DC, April 19, 2000).

Overview & Synopsis

This speech by Richard W. Riley asserts that education is becoming a more important component of modern society and is absolutely crucial for any society wishing to modernize. The wealth of any nation in the information age is dependent upon its human capital, which is valuable in direct proportion to its level of education and training. There are a number of factors that bear directly on the quality of education; one is technology. Technology can and is transforming education. It is a powerful tool to supplement teacher training and preparation. Teacher quality is also crucial, and there is a growing shortage of talented, well-qualified teachers around the world, especially in the fields of math and science. Decentralization is a growing trend in education around the world, as countries with strong traditions of centralized educational institutions look for ways to capture the dynamism and innovation that may accompany a loosening of central control. The demand for higher education is increasing most rapidly, and is direct function of the growing importance of technology and the importance of human capital; it is higher education that most effectively makes people "capital intensive." A function of growing globalization of the world's economy is an increasing level of international educational exchanges. Advancing education around the world is in the interest of all nations and all people. (KFT)