Economists Robert E. Martin of Centre College and R. Carter Hill of Louisiana State University, sought to quantify the impact of two largely accepted principles that drive costs at universities. The first—called “Baumol’s cost disease”—argues that increased costs are driven by the macro economy, since colleges are service-heavy entities and service industries are more sensitive to wage increases.
We recently survived another campaign season in which we saw rigorous battles for President, Congress, Senate, and state legislative races across the country. Record money was spent, the ads were negative, and tensions between both parties remain at epic levels. The time for rhetoric is over, especially when it comes to establishing important public policy to solve the skills gap and crafting a workforce development strategy that keeps the United States competitive in the global marketplace.
We’re at a critical time in higher education. More of our students must earn higher degrees than ever before. The United States boasts some of the finest institutions in the world and, further, by some measures, stands as an international leader. By other measures, however, there is cause for concern. Currently, only a little more than 50 percent of all students who start a four-year degree program earn their degree within six years. In Texas, it is even less.
President Obama has surprised many by opposing an immigration reform bill backed by a host of major tech companies that would let U.S.-educated computer programmers and engineers remain in the country, CNET reports.
Recently, President Obama flew to Myanmar and described the United States as a Pacific nation. Asia, he said, represents the future. Secretary of State Clinton traveled to Israel to assist a ceasefire agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. The United States officially expressed dismay over Egyptian President Morsi's decrees leading his country away from democracy.
Breaking the Monopoly of Mediocrity, a cross-country tour focused on education reform in local communities, stopped in Phoenix today. In a forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW), the National Chamber Foundation (NCF), and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; education, government and business leaders gathered to address the current state of education reform and “what’s next” for metropolitan Phoenix school districts.
We’re at a critical time in higher education. More of our students must earn higher degrees than ever before. The United States boasts some of the finest institutions in the world and, further, by some measures, stands as an international leader. By other measures, however, there is cause for concern. Currently, only a little more than 50 percent of all students who start a four-year degree program earn their degree within six years. In Texas, it is even less.
Many students who graduate college do not finish on time, or even finish at all—it’s one of the many challenges the Higher Education Conference hopes to address. Currently, Texas funds institutions based on enrollment, with no incentives for getting a degree.
Education in El Paso is at a crossroads.The cheating scandal that rocked the El Paso Independent School District has dominated the headlines recently, and rightfully so. The students of El Paso -- especially those who were pushed out of school or prevented from enrolling altogether -- have been betrayed by the school system.
As the election nears, citizens agree that our highest priority is improving the economy. We must be pro-business and pro-economic growth. And we must look for real economic development, not a quick fix. Toward that end, candidates and voters, we ask that you heed the advice of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 3 million businesses: invest in early childhood education for every child.
The Central Florida Education Summit will be hosted by the Central Florida Partnership and sponsored by the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, in partnership with the National Chamber Foundation, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, and the Central Florida Public School Board Coalition.
U.S. News STEM Solutions 2013 will bring together business, education and government leaders who have long recognized the need to connect the dots between STEM education and careers. Adding to last year’s successful conference format, the second edition will give more dedicated time for these leaders to interact and collaborate.
