How did the changing economy in the 1980s encourage educational reforms? A. There was a need for more bilingual speakers. B. Traditional industries needed more employees. C. The economy was moving away from technology. D. New industries required highly skilled, educated people.

D. New industries required highly skilled, educated people.

During the 1980s, the economy underwent significant changes. As technological advancements accelerated, traditional manufacturing jobs began to decline, and new industries started to emerge, particularly in the sectors of information technology, electronics, and services. These new industries demanded a workforce with specialized skills, including computer literacy, technical know-how, and advanced problem-solving abilities. In response to the evolving economic landscape, educational reforms were initiated to ensure that students were better equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the high-tech economy.

Such reforms often included higher educational standards, the integration of new technologies in the classroom, and programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to help produce a new generation of workers suited for the demands of an information-based economy.