A rethinking of the major concepts held about the post-industrial society presents educators with the challenge of translating research insights into the praxis of everyday life to improve students' employability. Forecasters of an "information society" where Americans engage only in services and communications forget that an insufficient number of specialists exist to support such an exclusive industry. The American school system, in contrast to those of other nations, ignores the necessity of realistic options for those unable to handle the abstract tasks of the "formal operations" stage of intellectual development. Reports explaining declining academic achievement do not get at the problem's roots: the historic behavioristic ideology of schools. "Industrial democracy," the integration of the worker in the decision-making process, is one attempt to counteract pervasive negative attitudes about work. A foremost task of educators and scholars is to make leaders aware of trends in society and new insights into human nature. A first step is the establishment of local councils of education with community members. America competes with other nations, whether characterized by conventional industry or "high tech." Avoiding the waste of unskilled, unemployable young people lacking positive work attitudes requires the ability to match theories with practice. (CJH)