Economics education in elementary and secondary schools is essential in order to prepare a responsible citizenry that can cope with economic problems and issues. This ERIC Digest examines: (1) the primary goal of economics education; (2) current economics curriculum patterns; and (3) methods of improving the economics curriculum. The basic concepts of economics education should be included in a social studies core curriculum and curriculum patterns should include: (1) the use of separate economics courses; (2) the general infusion of economics principles and concepts into other courses; or (3) the utilization of specific units of economics instruction within existing courses on other subjects. One method of improving economics education is to combine an infusion strategy in grades K-12 with a required one semester high school course. Four characteristics of a sound secondary school economics course include: (1) an emphasis on basic concepts and principles; (2) teaching strategies that elicit active student learning; (3) the connection of concepts and principles to other school subjects and citizenship roles; and (4) the application of knowledge to public issues and problems. The use of quantitative analysis and macro-economics should be emphasized. A 16-item bibliography is appended. (JHP)