"The Potential for Multiple Dividends in America"
I won’t spoil the article: Go read it. But here are the money quotes:
“Our public education system is a vestige of the 18th century, when 85% of Americans were farmers and schools lacked air conditioners.”
“These suggestions could leverage the vast American community college system, more than 1,200 institutions, spread across the country.”
“The US residential college system is unique; with the exception of a few universities worldwide, most colleges are largely urban. The 500-acre suburban campus with beautiful quads, high-end dorms and frat houses, and professional football stadiums — while appealing — is something of a luxury.”
“If we could start with a blank slate and look around the world, we would probably institute state and federal funding in public education like virtually every other country, and not fund education largely through property taxes.”
“These educational recommendations have the potential for multiple dividends in America: building better human capabilities, better economic possibilities, better health, less inequality, and a more competitive workforce amid intense global competition.”
The four ways to really fix education (that no one wants to hear) : Peter Marber, 18 November 2013, Quartz
