NYSTEA This We Believe Statement

New York State Technology Education Association
We believe that Technology Education is:

• A critical discipline in the delivery of technological literacy, which encourages the use of appropriate technology, develops the ability to solve problems, and creates lifelong learners with 21st century skills.

• A systems-based approach utilizing mathematics, science, and technology principles to extend human capabilities.

• Essential to STEM education through collaboration with physical and life sciences, engineering principles, and mathematics to ensure that emerging science and technologies are integral to P-16 education.

• A body of knowledge delivered by highly qualified teachers who can work collaboratively with other disciplines in education as well as with business and industry.

• A course of study that excites students at all levels to learn about the human-made world and their roles in that world.

• An essential part of general education for ALL students appropriate for P-16 levels, exhibiting authentic inquiry into general technological information for all learning abilities, stressing both career and post-secondary education options to diverse populations, providing relevance and rigor to learning, and enabling interconnectedness of thought thus closing the achievement gap.

• A disciplined intellectual experience that stresses the comprehension of technology and its associated impacts on and demands for a technologically literate society.

• Concrete experiences supporting abstract ideas and concepts to increase not only technological knowledge but also skills and attitudes, creative thinking, and character development.

• Recognition of technological development as a driving force that will ensure: 
  • The United States' leadership in technology development,
  • United States citizens will live in a world civilization that understands, assesses, and manages technological systems and devices, and
  • The United States can participate, compete, and contribute to the global economy.

24 April 2009