Editor's note.

We've all heard that old show business adage, "The show must go on." But today, without the skilled technicians working in the entertainment industry, it would be pretty much impossible for the show to go on. With the technologically advanced equipment employed in producing our modern forms of entertainment, having a well-trained workforce behind the scenes is as important as having a talented cast of performers working in front of the cameras or the microphones.

We receive important timely news and information each day through television and radio. We come together in movie theaters to share a common experience. We are enriched by the music we hear. But perhaps for a change, instead of applauding the singers, dancers and actors, we should offer a nice round of applause for the technicians who make it possible for the show to go on--and a standing ovation for the career and technical educators who have provided their training.

In addition to our cover story, there are several other articles about television and career and technical education. At Oklahoma's Comanche High School, television is being used to spread the word about FFA, and at a Massachusetts middle school, the TV studio is bringing a number of benefits to the students and faculty. Industrial technology education is receiving national attention this month, as teams from Central Michigan University and Purdue University battle it out on the Do It Yourself Channel's "Warehouse Warriors" television program.

National Career Academy Coalition Executive Director Sandy Mittelsteadt and author Diane Reeves contribute an article this month that asks and emphatically answers the question, "Career Academies: Cutting-Edge Reform or Passing Fad?"

We also take a look at high-stakes testing in this issue, but a definitive answer on this subject is much harder to find, and exploring the subject may result in more questions than answers.

To Our Technology Education Division Members:

A number of you noted the inappropriateness of the title given to the story "Advancing the Concept of Technology Education" in last month's issue. The article only gave the briefest mention to programs at the Advanced Technology Center in Virginia Beach such as manufacturing, telecommunications and engineering, and instead focused on the computer programs at the center, which we understand didn't help in the ongoing battle you fight to explain what technology education really is.

We would like you to know that some of your division members--including your vice president Joe Scarcella--stepped forward with an offer of their time and expertise to detail for all of our members the true definition of technology education. So we can all look forward to reading their article in next month's Techniques.