Economics and California Public School Education

Social Studies Review, Fall 2003 by O'Connell, Jack

California boasts the fifth largest economy in the world. It's critical our students understand the driving forces of a market economy so they can survive and prosper in the global economy of the 21st century. The marketplace plays a significant role in political, social, and cultural development of societies. The market motivates exploration, provides interchange among various cultures and has influenced the outcome of major historical struggles. Economic reasoning is a skill that students can use to better analyze historical events and to evaluate current personal, social, and political issues. It is essential for citizens in a democracy.

The continued strength of the California economy depends upon our students' ability to participate fully. I applaud the contributors to this special economics edition of the California Social Studies Review, for the time has come when we must elevate economics education in our overall curriculum. I also applaud the thousands of classroom teachers; it is through their dedication and success that economics will become important and meaningful to our students. With this dedication our students will leave school prepared to participate responsibly, effectively, and productively in our California economy.

Jack O'Connell was elected to serve as California's 26th State Superintendent of Public Instruction on November 5,2002, garnering more votes than any other contested candidate in the country. Previously, he served for two decades in the California State Legislature representing the Central Coast.

Throughout his career, Superintendent O'Connell has stressed education improvement. As the author of numerous landmark education bills in both the Assembly and the State Senate, he made quality education in California his number one priority. This commitment to the children of California earned Superintendent O'Connell the praise and the respect of colleagues and educators.