Blogs:

Universities and colleges are found to offer efficient degrees for graduating students for the amount of money spent. However, a lot need to be looked into in order to face the emerging challenges.This message was conveyed by a research organization based in Boulder, the National Centre for Higher Education Management System’s Dennis Jones to the higher education commission in the state of Colorado.
 
Data presented by Denise Jones in the presentation is already well known to the policymakers and educators in Colorado. Data includes the gaps in college completion, weak Colorado initiatives to educate people, the connection between economic growth and educated population and all other elements of the Colorado Paradox. This presentation is however significant in that it can be used as a guideline for the strategic process of planning for higher education to start this year.

The “Strategic Planning Initiative” will start taking shape now. According to the top education advisor of Gov. Bill Ritter, Matt Gianneschi, there has been no specific date set for the event kick off.  He also said that the duration of the process remains to be defined. He felt the whole process must be taken forward in a phased out, patient manner and should not be rushed. He said the ideal time for completion of the process could be 2010 autumn, which could still facilitate recommendations to the legislative session of 2011.

The Jones’ findings could play a major role as the initiative kicks off. Jones started with a question on the type of postsecondary education which will ensure the future of Colorado. Colorado is one of the most preferred states in the nation where people love to settle down for work and live. According to Jones, there is a strong correlation between the attainment of levels of education of the citizens of the state and a uniform availability of benefits such as a high quality of life and a globally competitive economy.

There is a variation between personal income and educational attainment in spite of the fact that 36.5 Coloradans between 25 and 64 have a bachelor’s degree. There is also a major gap between the Hispanics and Whites in educational attainment. In fact, the gap here is the largest in the country. The next fifteen years will see a major growth in the Hispanic population and a decline in the population of Whites resulting in lesser educated workforce entrants. According to Jones, it is imperative for Colorado to provide education to its Latino population.

Jones sums up with the conclusion that Colorado faces a lot of challenges with its weaknesses, strengths and opportunities. Per-student revenues are the least in Colorado and the amount spent by students for the degree is also pretty low here as compared to other states.

Just as with all other states, a lot has to be done in Colorado to come through this economic crunch in a successful manner. This is possible only through a skilful strategic planning and implementation in the right direction.