Contemporary justification for a vision of improved science education resides in themes such as education and the economy, basic skills for the workforce, and thinking for a living. Such themes differ from earlier justifications such as the space race and a nation at risk. In many respects the economic rationale has emerged from the realization that the U.S. economy is part of a global economy and that the educational level of our citizenship influences the rate and direction of this country’s economic progress. Our discussion here, while this century is still young, presents the occasion to review the need for a workforce with 21st-century knowledge, abilities, and skills. This free selection includes the Table of Contents, Preface, and Index. As a special bonus, the chapter entitled Technology Leadership for the 21st Century is also included.