Educational programs designed to support the optics/photonics industry

The explosive photonics industry in the United States and elsewhere signals a critical need for comprehensive programs in education fur the preparation of photonics technicians, engineers, and scientists. This paper outlines curricular plans in photonics education which begin at the 9(th) grade in high school and end generally at the 14(th) grade with an associate of applied science degree. Beginning with comprehensive lists of appropriate tasks for photonics technicians-as identified by photonics-related industries-extrapolation is made to specific courses, sequences of courses, and on to comprehensive high school/postsecondary curricula with appropriate emphasis on the necessary basics in mathematics, science communications, and introductory technology courses. The identification of a photonics core for technician education is a major part of this paper. In addition, a strategy for the development of the photonics core courses in modular form-with the desired pedagogical organization of a typical module-is discussed.