Cisco released a report of a survey July 26, 2007, that concludes that Americans realize the importance of adopting information technology to upgrade schools, connect communities and improve educational content. Zogby International conducted the survey in May, and titled the report, "Education Attitudes 2007."

"How to best educate students so that they have the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century workforce is a critical issue facing every country," said Bill Fowler, Executive Director of Cisco's Twenty-First Century Schools Initiative."

The majority of Americans said that technology is an important factor in connecting schools to their communities as well as in leveling the playing field among more and less affluent schools by providing equal access to educational content. They understand that fundamental changes must be made to the U.S. schooling, if the country is to remain competitive in the 21st century.

Sixty-nine percent of Americans say that science and math courses should be made mandatory for grades 7 through 12.

Fifty-four percent of Americans said that schools should place a greater emphasis on teaching a global perspective.

Finally, despite the growing need for problem-solving skills in an innovation society, Americans are not prepared to base student grades on collaboration skills by shifting coursework away from individual achievement.

Fifty-eight percent of responders said educators should copromote and focus efforts on individual performance.

Only 32 percent of those surveyed said they support a grading system that is in favor of teaching students how to work more effectively in groups, this includes basing 25 percent of a student's grade on group work. Instead, 58 percent said educators should continue to promote and focus efforts on individual performance.

The 2007 Zogby surveyed more than 7,000 general consumer Americans across the country over the age of 18 from May 11 through May 14.

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