One Educator's View of How to Respond to the Challenges Faced by Higher Education in Business.

Abstract This article discusses the various challenges faced by the higher education system in accounting in the U.S. The education of the typical student in the United States has been contrasted with the education of students in West Germany and Japan, and found wanting. While the youth of other countries commonly master multiple languages, reticence to step beyond English is common among Americans. Indeed some observers question whether the students maintain an appropriate level of English and note with alarm the increasingly visible illiteracy rate. Others argue that reliance on calculators and computers is undermining fundamental reasoning and analytical skills that are necessary in any but the most prescribed forms of employment. With the passing of the baby boom, the pool of talent is diminished by casualties of the drug culture and significant drop-out rates. This package of education based problems has significant inertia that fosters its continued growth. Few high school students have a good understanding of either their career opportunity sets or the advantages and disadvantages of various career paths.