DiPalma: RI Economy ‘Hinges Precipitously’ on Education
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The key to our future and the future of our economy hinges precipitously on the results that are produced by our educational system. By the very nature of our citizenship of the State of Rhode Island, we are all stewards and custodians of this system. As stewards, we are accountable and it is our responsibility to ensure that quality products are produced; that all Rhode Island students receive an affordable, world-class education preparing them to compete in the global economy. It’s a responsibility we cannot and must not delegate.
Critical shortage of scientists and engineers
Competing in the global economy will certainly require a firm grasp of the basics, though a focus on science, technology, engineering and math, which is commonly referred to as STEM, is paramount. Currently there exists, and it is expected that this will continue for years to come, a crisis with respect to the shortage of engineers and scientists, especially those who are U.S. citizens. While it not expected that all will be engineers and scientists, we need a populace who feels comfortable discussing STEM-related issues, which can dramatically impact their daily lives.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTake for instance, the simulated, though never implemented or tested, proposed 4.25-mile pipe-in-a-pipe associated with a proposed off-shore berthing location in Mount Hope Bay. A STEM-familiar populace will understand that while simulation is a powerful tool, the lack of real, and not simulated, facts and data are required to make objective decisions.
High school dropouts cost all of us
Reaching all, and I mean all, students will require a concerted campaign. Whether one looks at education from a cognitive or emotional perspective, there’s no denying the impact of not achieving the desired results from a financial perspective. Dr. Paul Harrington, the Director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University—who has briefed the R.I. Senate on a couple of occasions—has done extensive research on the fiscal impact of educational attainment.
For instance, the lifetime net fiscal impact of high school graduates is positive, but a dropout will cost taxpayers by requiring social services. A high school graduate, who will also need social services, will have contributed more than he or she will have consumed. Simply put, on average, those who drop out and do not complete a high school equivalency program will cost all of us. What does that mean? While not all students will attend college, we need to ensure all students attain a high school diploma or equivalent, whether it is through our traditional means or another pathway.
Dropout rate not improving quickly enough
As has been previously been reported, one in five (20 percent) of Rhode Island students drop out of high school, and when one looks specifically at Rhode Island’s urban schools, one in three (33 percent) drop out. While this trend is improving, it is not improving nearly fast enough. We need to set high expectations for all students. With the expected results from Rhode Island’s Race to the Top and our involvement with the New England Secondary School Consortium, which is focusing on high school education redesign, a blueprint has been established.
All Rhode Island residents must share a mutual accountability and responsibility to ensure our students achieve the necessary skills to compete in the global economy, and the approximately $2 billion investment in K-12 education provides the expected return on our investments. Each Rhode Island resident must no longer stand on the sideline. We need everyone to get engaged. Contact the members of your city or town’s school committee, members of your city or town’s council and your state senators and representatives expressing your concern about the current situation. Ask what each elected official is doing to ensure the trend continues to improve and inquire about how you can get involved. Education is the key to our future… the future of our economy. The time to act is now!
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State Senator Louis P. DiPalma is a Democrat representing District 12, which encompasses the towns of Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton.
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