Five links that made us think this week:
President Obama and Governor Romney have finally put education front and center. Both candidates for the Presidency took their thoughts on higher-ed reform to Time Magazine. I wonder if this adorable video is what inspired them to get the education conversation going?
President Obama provides examples of how his plan has already helped many people across the country attend college, providing ”nearly 4 million more young people scholarships to help them afford their degree. “ If re-elected in November the President promises to work with colleges and universities to cut tuition growth in half and give 2 million workers the resources they need to build their skills at local community colleges.
Governor Romney says we need “to adapt, to compete, to innovate,” and promises he will “work with Congress to achieve fundamental education reform that gives every student the opportunity to succeed.” He also talks about the need to increase college completion rates and reduce financial aid debt. If elected in November, Romney pledges to “provide the leadership we need to meet this crisis head-on.”
Photo by Muns via WikiCommons.
Still not sure what all this means for the struggling student whose only chance of affording a college degree is through financial aid and who is counting on landing a good job after graduation to pay back those loans?
Thinking other solutions need to be presented, Time Magazine asked 8 education experts how they think we can improve higher education in the U.S. Governor Bill Hasam proposes tying institution funding to outcomes. Hunter Rawlings, President of the Association of American Universities, sees great long-term benefit in investing in research and technology. Molly Corbett Broad, President of The American Council on Education, talks proposes that universities have degrees that “meet the needs of working or unemployed adults who want to earn a college diploma.”
It’s refreshing to see Time Magazine provide a platform for President Obama and Governor Romney to discuss higher-ed reform. Both candidates and the 8 education experts interviewed present different ideas, but they all share the urge to take action now. As President Obama says, “we’re not going to get to where we need to be if we turn back now.”
That’s it for this week. Have a great weekend, everyone! Pura Vida.
Want to share your thoughts with me? Email me at carolina.cromeyer@teachforamerica.org.
