2020 Preparations - Step 1: Education (continued)

Yesterday, I proposed tax incentives for U.S. citizens seeking PhDs. It's really not so much that they would be incentives as investments by the government in our nation's future.

• PhDs would have far greater earnings potential returning those initial tax breaks back to the government in later years
• PhDs would have a far greater potential for developing revolutionary ideas that could be translated into U.S. business competitive advantages... more production... more employement

Working backward from the top, it is evident from enrollment data that the U.S. colleges are enjoying a brisk business. A large part of our population certainly recognizes the advantages of a college degree or and advanced degree. However, by the time a student reaches the age of 24 or 25, the pool of those considering PhDs drops off considerably. It's like never-ending medical school. So, the smoother the process and the greater support to get to the top, the more will get there.

Nearly everyone recognizes the problems facing high schools and elementary schools:

• reduced funding
• segments of the community without a bias toward education
• few alternatives for gaining non-academic skills; bias against those who seek alternative educations
• not everyone is suited tempermentally or intellectually for college
• the community and businesses need people who are both skilled and disciplined to do other work; e.g. tool makers, carpenters, electricians

We presume that to be economically successful, one must go to college. We ignore those who can be contributers in other ways and let them stumble along until they do or do not find a place in the productive community.

Consequently, it seems to me that the two greatest leverage points for improving U.S. education and U.S. competitiveness lie in :

• Focusing on increasing the number of PhDs among U.S. citizens
• Focusing on high school education that provides a good alternative for those not interested in pursuing a college education, but would do well in skilled trades or crafts

Got better ideas?