UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 11
November 14, 1996
Conference to focus on economics education consortium

     Since its inception in 1971, the award-winning Center for
Economic Education and Entrepreneurship has been widely
influential in developing innovative programs for students K-12
and educating educators from across the country through its
master's degree program in economics education and
entrepreneurship.
     A new initiative, now in the planning stage, will link
superintendents and educators from six exemplary programs across
the country, in an effort to share insights in economic education
and stimulate such activities in other school districts
throughout the nation.
     Over the years, the center has formed informal connections
with several educators across the country, but this program will
formalize the network into a Consortium for Excellence in
Entrepreneurship and Economic Education, according to James
O'Neill, director.
     To launch the initiative, the center is holding a conference
Nov. 15 and 16, with support from Bell Atlantic- Delaware and
Procter & Gamble, as well as a contribution from University
benefactor Genevieve Gore.
     Superintendents and other educators from districts across
the country, who are committed to entrepreneurship and economic
education, have been invited. The  districts-diverse in the
populations they serve and representing a wide geographical
base-are located in the states of Washington, Delaware, New
Jersey, California, Ohio and Illinois.
     The conference will begin with each district describing its
programs and the reasons for its underlying commitment to
entrepreneurship and economic education, followed by a discussion
of goals. The last part of the conference will focus on
organization of the new consortium and how to gain support for an
electronic network that promotes innovation.
     "Economics and entrepreneurship are basic subjects that
students should understand, and I am excited about the conference
and the impact it can have on education in these areas," O'Neill
said. "The districts have much to offer in terms of programs
based on entrepreneurship and economics that can serve as models
for others. For example, the Central Kitsap School District in
Silverdale, Wash., has organized a student economic and political
system, with days set aside for students to take part in business
sessions, markets and government activities.
     "In East Orange, N.J., there are schools of choice with
different themes, and economic education and entrepreneurship are
an option. The environment of the schools focuses on learning
through experience," O'Neill said.
     In Delaware, the center works with school districts in mini-
society programs where children develop a product and market it.
At Stubbs Middle School the students are learning about
international entrepreneurship and economics, focusing on China.
     Other programs developed by the center include Eyes on the
Economy, where students solve "mysteries" using economic
concepts; Choices and Changes, a program for at-risk students; a
Federal Reserve program; and the Stock Market Game.
     Other schools districts participating in the conference are
School District #47, Crystal Lake, Ill.; Cincinnati Public
Schools, Cincinnati, Ohio; Temple City Unified School District,
Temple City, Calif.; and Christina School District, Newark, Del.
     "By joining together, we can share successful programs in
entrepreneurship and economic education and build on each other's
strengths. Through an electronic network, we can keep in contact
and give information to other school districts interested in
developing programs on economics and entrepreneurship across the
country," O'Neill said.
                                              -Sue Swyers Moncure