This ERIC Digest on economics education discusses: (1) the economic literacy of secondary school students; (2) the improvement of the economic curriculum; (3) the improvement of social studies teachers' training and teaching methods; and (4) the implications of improved economics education. A national survey sponsored by the Joint Council on Economic Education revealed that U.S. high school students tend to be ignorant of such economic concepts as gross national product, inflation, profits, and investment. According to the survey, students who complete an economics course score higher but still exhibit significant deficiencies in economic literacy. To strengthen economic knowledge, mandatory courses focusing on topics and concepts and increased preservice and inservice training in economics education for social studies teachers are recommended. Knowledgeable teachers can effectively teach economics concepts and vary instruction to provide satisfactory understanding of concepts important for responsible citizenship. Students with a solid comprehension of basic concepts perform better as producers, consumers, investors, and voters in public elections. This improved economics education will develop more informed U.S. citizens. (DJC)