Two interesting articles in The Detroit News Commentary section:
- Attitude may make Mich. the new Mississippi
"Michigan is doomed to be the new Mississippi. A backward state locked to a last-century industry, awash in ignorance and unprepared to seize the opportunities presented by new technologies and scientific advancements.
That's the only fortune to tell for a state where just 27 percent of parents consider a good education essential for a successful life, and nearly half don't agree that everybody should go to college."
-
Michigan must stress college for all students
By Gov. Jennifer Granholm
"If there is one factor critical to creating a stronger economy and more good-paying jobs in Michigan it is this: states with the most educated populations have the most robust economic growth and the lowest unemployment.
Unfortunately, Michigan rings in at the wrong end of the spectrum on both counts. Only 22 percent of adults in Michigan hold a bachelor's degree. That's more than 10 points below the leading states. And we all agree that the state's unemployment rate is unacceptable.
Our call to action is clear: We must make a college education a universal goal for every student in Michigan...."
"This past week, along with Rep. Tupac Hunter of Detroit and Sen. Michael Switalski of Roseville, I introduced bills creating a new Merit Scholarship. The scholarship guarantees that any student who completes two years at any Michigan college or university will get at least $4,000 in scholarship aid. That's enough to pay for an associate's degree at most Michigan community colleges."
Yes, it may help motivated students... that is fine. But let's not fool ourselves into thinking that members of educationally dysfunctional subcultures... and there are several of those represented in Michigan... will suddenly change their outlook on life because they get a "resigning bonus" after two years of college... which they don't intend to start anyway.
Some earlier posts that may be relevant: