1963 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Annual Report

Among the problems created by today's exploding science and technology, none presents a greater challenge than the reshaping of educational patterns to cope with the demands of an era of change. With the advent of the Space Age, and the realization that augmented research was needed to keep this country in a vanguard position, startled Americans demanded more and better Education, with a tightening of standards and a reaching out for "academic excellence."Following through upon this directive from the public, our colleges and universities did take real strides toward education for a new world but, in so doing, there seemed in certain quarters to grow a philosophy that higher education should be restricted to the academically gifted.In recent years foundations, too, have made many of their grants to university and collegiate programs placing emphasis upon the training of scientists and other high-level personnel, upon graduate and professional education, and upon preparation for research. No one can quarrel with the theses that scientific, economic, and social advance require highly trained leaders; that better health services for the people and an elevated cultural aura result from improved professional education; and that the vast sums of governmental and private money being spent for research are opening up new frontiers for mankind. However, educators and other interested citizens must beware lest all our educational institutions concentrate their efforts upon the twenty per cent of our youth with superior minds, being content that the rest have only the minimum skills to read, write, and "cipher." The practical, over-all goal is the education of some youth for the professions, many for occupational competency, and every one for life and citizenship in an increasingly complex society