Commentary; Posted: 1/18/06
Plans forming for access to 14 years of free public education
Joe Nathan
Education Columnist
Imagine Minnesota students receiving 14 years, rather than just 12 years of free public education.
A step in that direction was taken Jan. 9, when four foundations announced a new scholarship program for graduates of St. Paul and Minneapolis district and charter public schools. According to Phil Davis, president of Minneapolis Community/Technical College, the new program:
ïInvolves students who live in St. Paul or Minneapolis, and graduate from public high schools in those cities.
ïCan be used in fall, 2006 at St. Paul Technical College or Minneapolis Technical and Community College.
ïCan be used at these two schools, plus Metro State in fall, 2007.
ïGives first preference to students from low-income families.
ïWill provide scholarships to all graduates of St. Paul and Minneapolis charters and district public schools who enroll in the institutions named above if enough money is raised.
So far, General Mills, St. Paul Travelers, ADC and the Perlman Family Foundation have contributed. Other proposals are pending.
But people reading this paper do not live in St. Paul or Minneapolis - what about your communityís students?
Recent U. S. Census figures show that high school graduates earn about $1.2 million, two-year college grads earn about $1.6 million and people with four-year degrees earn about $2.1 million over their lifetime. Of course, that means they pay more back, in taxes. Many jobs in the emerging economy require a two-year degree.
But earning a higher education degree, is not just about earning more money. People with college degrees are healthier, report greater satisfaction with their lives. In addition, college grads and their children are healthier.
There is nothing magic about 12 years of free public education. Years ago legislatures provided funds only for elementary education, and then for K-8 education.
Recently attention has focused on high quality, early childhood education. Many studies show youngsters, especially those from low income families who participate in such programs, do better in school, are more likely to graduate from high school, and less likely to break the law.
Itís time to expand opportunities at the other end - grades 13 and 14.
Some readers may think: ìThis guy works at the University of Minnesota. He will benefit.î But funding for the Center for School Change, where I work, comes from grants and contracts, not the Legislature.
Yes, providing 14 years of free education will cost money. It could, at least in the short term, increase taxes, unless legislators reduce funding for other things. Thatís unlikely.
But the world has changed dramatically since the 1940s, when many states began offering 12 years of free education. Some of the best investments we make are in ourselves, and our children.
Thatís why this weekís announcement is good news. But I hope it causes us, in the coming election, to think more broadly and dramatically, so in a few years, all Minnesota students have access to 14 years of free public education.
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher, now directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605