October 2008
In this issue:
Students weigh in
Test your knowledge
Get inspired
Sound bytes
New resources
From our guest bloggers
Vanishing Graduates nominated for a regional Emmy Award
LearnmoreMN RSS Feed
Students weigh in
Five college students reflect on their experiences in innovative K-12 schools on the Student Voices site. And high school students have plenty to say about education on the social networking site, Students Speak Out. Read more about both of these student projects in Solutions Resources.Test your knowledge
How well do you know the facts about Minnesota’s education challenges? Take the quiz to find out. Do you want to know if you’re smarter than eighth graders in 46 countries? Take the math and science quizzes to see how you compare.Get inspired
Dale Thornton sees himself as just another adult who happens to know a little bit about education and wants to make a difference. Thornton is a role model, mentor and tutor to kids at both NayTahWaush and the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig tribal schools near Cass Lake. He’s helping kids imagine a future that includes pursuing higher education. Read his story.Sound bytes
- “We need to recognize that a 21st-century education is the bedrock of competitiveness.”
—21st Century Skills, Education & Competitiveness - “As so many nations around the world continue to improve their systems of education, America can no longer afford to maintain the status quo.”
—PBS program, "Where We Stand" - “The world is changing, jobs are evolving, and far too many students are simply not being prepared to be successful adults."
—Strong American Schools - “As a guy who looks to hire good, quality people I’m also wondering: How hard is it going to be in the next 10 years to find and keep really smart people?”
—Tim Morin blog post, "Vanishing customers. Vanishing employees"
Check out What others say about the challenges to read more.
New resources
- “Is College Opportunity Slipping Away?” draws attention to a perception that higher education is slipping out of reach for a growing number of individuals. Find out more about this report and others in the Higher Education Affordability section.
- “Diploma to Nowhere” examines the impact of remedial education on students and the high cost to taxpayers. Read more in the Preparing for College section.
- “Minorities in Higher Education 2008” reports that there have been significant gains in college enrollment rates for young people from all races, but some gaps have widened. Read more in the College Participation section.
- “In Minnesota Education: Motivation Matters,” Kent Pekel outlines a partnership effort designed to help students with the steps that will enable them to go to college. “Overcoming Obstacles, Optimizing Opportunities” provides insight into state policies that can be most influential in helping low-skilled adults enter and succeed in college and careers. Find out more about both in Solutions Resources.
