Story Ideas
Looking for an angle on issues in education? The following ideas are designed to help you write a feature article or develop an interview.
The Changing Face of High School Graduates
Between 2003 and 2013, the number of students graduating from U.S. high schools will increase by 4 percent. In Minnesota they will decrease by 10.3 percent. While the overall number of graduates continues to shrink, demographic changes are radically altering the ethnic and preparatory characteristics of our school age population.
Specifically, the decrease hides several trends:
- 19 percent decline in the number of White non-Hispanic graduates, who are most likely to obtain a four year degree
- 52 percent growth in the number of graduates of color (Asian, Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic, Native American), who are least likely to obtain a four year degree
- The share of graduates made up of students of color will grow from just 1 in 8 to more than 1 in 5
Immigration and Higher Education
The number of high school graduates of color (Asian, Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic, Native American) is expected to grow by 50 percent in the next 10 years. This group, which includes many of the state’s immigrants and their children, has not been well served by four-year colleges.- The highest growth will occur among Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic high school graduates, who are less likely to attend college.
- The bulk of the decline will occur among White non-Hispanic students, who are more likely to attend.
- Moderate growth will occur among Asian students, who are the most likely to attend.
Science, Math and the New Economy: Are We Prepared?
Minnesota’s need for educated workers will soon double, and economic forecasts project 20-33% increases in scientific and technical occupations in Minnesota in ten years.* Such growth will demand an additional 10,500 college graduates per year.* To drive this new economy, our education systems must prepare students to compete globally in science, engineering and technology. Yet, in 2003, only 27% of Minnesota 8th graders completed algebra, far below the national average of 31%.** And in 2005, only 37% of Minnesota high school graduates were prepared to take college biology.*** What can we do to remain competitive?*Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
**Minnesota Data Profile, 2005
***Minnesota Department of Education
Career Choices: Prepare to Adapt
Studies have shown that American workers change careers four or five times before retirement.* Many factors drive these changes, including salary, job satisfaction, work/life balance, geographic moves and restructuring or layoffs. The job security of years past has all but disappeared; taking with it the prospect of spending 20 or 30 years with the same company. In addition, an increase in the number of four year degrees awarded has created a more competitive job market, which can force students to consider several fields upon graduation.
How are graduates preparing to adapt? How does this expectation affect the major a student chooses, or the school they attend? Do these trends affect how career counselors do their job?
Minnesota and the Global Workforce
Minnesota is accustomed to high rankings among other states on many educational measures, but the competition for educated workers and high-skills employment is increasingly global. In 1991, the U.S. ranked 2nd in college participation. In 2001, the U.S. was 15th. Minnesota may be leading the nation in ACT scores and the share of people going to college. But that’s leading a group that is going downhill. It’s not recognizing who our real competition is: the rest of the world.
Source: Education at a Glance 2005, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
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