“Measuring Up 2008″

If you enjoy demoralizing statistical reports and analyses, please be sure to read “Measuring Up 2008.” It’s the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education’s biennial report on how the U.S. is doing educationally and it will make you want to stick your head in the sand and just wait this one [...]

If you enjoy demoralizing statistical reports and analyses, please be sure to read “Measuring Up 2008.” It’s the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education’s biennial report on how the U.S. is doing educationally and it will make you want to stick your head in the sand and just wait this one out.

I stopped reading after these two statistics nuggets: (a) college tuition has increased 439% since 1982-1984 (the median family income has only increased 147%); and (b) about half of American college students attending four-year colleges don’t complete their degrees in six years.

The good news is, someone cares enough about the problem to not only realize there is one, but to research the depth of the conundrum and to (hopefully) work out some solutions.

Posted by Alexa Harrington

photo credit: charlyn w

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Afternoon update 12.18.08

Afternoon update 12.18.08
California Democrats begin approving budget solutions – Democratic legislators today began approving a complex and controversial package of tax increases and program cuts, an $18 billion effort designed to avoid the need for Republican votes that GOP leaders called illegal. The state Senate and Assembly made their way through the package of bills required for the maneuver, voting along party lines for approval. Republicans opposed the tax increases and accused majority Democrats of breaking th

Cortines hired to lead L.A. schools

Cortines hired to lead L.A. schools
The veteran educator replaces David L. Brewer. 'We will not do things the same way,' the new LAUSD superintendent says.

When Los Angeles school board members named Ramon C. Cortines to head the nation's second-largest school system Tuesday, they selected an experienced, respected educator who contrasts sharply with both his predecessor and a recent wave of acclaimed superintendents.

Education Sec. names new higher ed commissioner

Education Sec. names new higher ed commissioner
Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville has officially selected Richard Freeland as the state's next Commissioner of Higher Education.