In his State of the Union Address, President Obama announced the release of the new College Scorecard. First proposed by the President over a year ago, the Scorecard is intended to provide prospective students and families with better information about affordability and value. The online Scorecard is also intended to provide easier access to information and to facilitate comparability.

The Scorecard provides information on five key areas related to affordability and value:

     1) Costs

     2) Graduation Rate

     3) Loan Default Rate

     4) Median Borrowing

     5) Employment

In this address, the President called on Congress to “change the Higher Education Act so that affordability and value are
included in determining which colleges receive certain types of federal aid.”  He went on to say that the White House’s new Scorecard would help students and families “compare schools based on simple criteria -- where you can get the most bang for your educational buck.”

This initiative is just one element in the President’s ambitious plan for his second term.  Just after his State of the Union Address, the President released what is described as a “blueprint” entitled “The President’s Plan for a Strong Middle Class and a Strong America.” This plan includes four (4) overarching goals, each with a number of initiatives. The document also includes a promise that accomplishing all of this will not “add a dime to the deficit.”  The goals and initiatives are:

     1) Making America a Magnet for Jobs

             -Bringing good manufacturing jobs back to America

             -Slashing reliance on foreign oil and increasing American energy security through clean energy

             -Rebuilding and upgrading our infrastructure so our businesses have the tools they need to compete

            - Rebuilding our housing sector to grow our economy and put more construction workers back on the job

            - Encouraging fair trade and leveling the playing field by opening new markets for American made products

             -Investing in the best ideas to lead the world in innovation

     2) Equipping Americans with the Skills they Need 

            -Providing high-quality preschool for every child

            -Building the skills that lead to high-quality, high-wage jobs

            -Holding colleges accountable for cost, value and quality

            -Fixing our broken immigration system so everyone plays by the same rules and we attract the best 
                and brightest workers

            -Ensuring our veterans have the care, benefits, education, and job opportunities they have earned

  
     3) Ensuring Hard Work Leads to a Decent Living 

            -Rewarding hard work by raising the minimum wage to $9 an hour

            -Building new ladders of opportunity into the middle class

            -Securing equal pay for equal work

            -Making our homes and neighborhoods safer

        
     4) Cutting the Deficit in a Balanced Way 

            -Building on progress reducing the deficit by more than $2.5 trillion in a balanced way

-Reducing the deficit by $4 trillion as part of an overall plan for jobs and share growth and tax and 
                 entitlement reform

It is an ambitious plan, especially in light of the continued acrimony and lack of cooperation in Washington. And while I
applaud the President’s commitment to skills development, I think the Scorecard is both simplistic and flawed. It certainly
makes for good rhetoric and has some value. But it is lacking in a level of depth, detail and accuracy to really help
prospective students and their families make the right choice.

Next week I will tell you my rationale for this assessment.

(As always, your comments and questions are welcome.)

Last week I shared my involvement in two national initiatives related to the gun control issue. I have participated in these two efforts in an attempt to influence the activities of our political leaders and to educate people about the many issues related to gun control. It is hard to judge the success of these initiatives, but I believe that they are worthy of my time and attention. Here is why.

My first reason is personal. I believe in gun control and am constantly chagrined when gun control efforts are conflated into debates about the second amendment and the rights of American citizens.  It seems to me that we can find a better balance between the individual rights of citizens and the safety and welfare of all of us.

I do not own a gun.  I never have and doubt I ever will.  But I respect many people who own guns.  My ten years of professional work in Wisconsin introduced me to people who hunted for need and pleasure.  Families in the schools I led hunted in order to feed their families.  Even more hunted as an annual sport.  For the most part, they were responsible, careful and respectful of the danger inherent in owning a weapon.

But I have also seen the violence and pain caused by guns.  I have attended the funerals of too many students who committed suicide with a gun easily accessible in their homes.  I have observed too many young adults throw away their future because of an act of violence.

So I publicly supported these initiatives because I believe in increased gun control.  It seems to me that we can do much more to limit the access to weapons, increase the oversight of gun purchases and sales, and control the access to weapons and ammunition that have nothing to do with personal safety and the sport of hunting.

I also agree that more proactive steps to increase the way we address mental illness are critical.  It’s not one or the other.  We need to limit and control weapons and deal more directly with those suffering from mental illness.

The second reason I supported these initiatives is because of the nature of my profession.  In fact, too many of the tragedies in this country occurred on college campuses or were perpetrated by a college-age student.  Despite our best efforts, most colleges have multiple points of access and students have a great deal of freedom as they live on campus and interact with friends from on and off campus.

Safety on our campus is a central issue and we take it very seriously.  But I think we can always do more and I support legislative and regulatory measures that may protect our students.

Some argue that we can never prevent bad people from doing harmful things.  I cannot disagree.  But that doesn’t mean we should not try.  We have an obligation to work for the Common Good.  We have a responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for our children and students.  Increased gun control is not the only answer, but it is one of them.

(As always, your comments and questions are welcome.)

Last week I traveled to Washington to meet with several educational leaders and to attend the NAICU (National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) Annual Meeting.  NAICU, with over 1000 members, “serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education.  Since 1976, the association has represented private colleges and universities on policy issues with the federal government, such as those affecting student aid, taxation, and government regulation.”

NAICU provides statistics to each institution to help them understand the impact of federal financial aid and to use in efforts to encourage congressional representatives to maintain and increase the funding to these programs.  For example, in the state of Massachusetts during the 2011-12 academic year, college students received 451,176 Federal Loans with a value of $2,826,624,741. In that same year, 140,448 Pell Grants were awarded in Massachusetts valued at $486,037,754. This seems like a reasonable investment in higher education. But sadly, it is not enough.

As I waited at the airport for my flight home, I tried to catch up on my reading.  I read a report that summarized a study conducted in November-December 2012 by the Lumina Foundation and Gallup.  Most people know about the work conducted by Gallup. The Lumina Foundation is a private foundation which funds studies and programs consistent with their mission of “enrolling and graduating more students from college, especially 21^st century students: low-income students, students of color, first generation students, and adult learners.”

What this study revealed is that 97% of the respondents (from a sample of over 1000 participants over the age of 18) believed that attaining a college degree was important.  Consistent with the Pew research I discussed in the past few weeks, the respondents related their attainment of a college degree with the ability to get a good job (96%) and to earn more money (96%). Even more, 97% also expressed a belief that a college degree is necessary to secure a person’s future financial stability.

However, this study revealed the barriers to attaining a degree as well.  And the most significant barrier for all respondents was cost.  In fact, 74% of the respondents said that higher education is unaffordable.

There are other important barriers for adults in the workforce who want to attend college to improve their employment and family situations.  For these adults, family responsibilities and job responsibilities are important factors.  While a majority wants to go back to school and thinks about this option, less than 40% express the likelihood that they will be able to earn a degree.

As I have written before, the responsibility for affordability does not rest solely with the federal government. But the fact is that the rhetoric of economic stimulus and job creation cannot be taken seriously in isolation from greater investments in people who desire a college degree.

If Americans want to attain a degree… if Americans clearly see a degree as critical to employment and income… then why is this not a central element of an economic stimulus program?

On behalf of the college students in Massachusetts who benefit from the current federal financial aid, I say thank you to our congressional leaders.  But on behalf of all of those left out because of lack of resources, I say please remove these barriers. And believe it or not, a vast majority of college students repay their loans.  What a great investment in our country’s future.

(As always, your comments and questions are welcome.)

In the past few weeks, we have experienced a good deal of change in this country. The inauguration of the President’s second term has also marked transitions in leadership in Washington. The avoidance (or delay) of the “fiscal cliff” has caused some optimism that cooperation in Washington will improve. The stock market continues to grow and there are even positive signs in the housing market.

So an obvious question is whether or not Americans are feeling any better about the issues facing them and our country? According to a recent Gallup poll, the answer is generally, “no.”

Between January 7-10, 2013, Gallup conducted a poll including a random sample of 1,011 adults in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Interviews were conducted by phone (landline and cell) in both English and Spanish. Respondents were asked to express their degree of satisfaction about the “state of the nation” in 17 different areas.  In issuing the results, Gallup also provided a comparison of this recent poll with the results from January 3-5, 2005, the start of George Bush’s second term.

Americans are most satisfied with:

- “The nation’s military strength and preparedness” (74%)

- “The nation’s security from terrorism” (67%)

- “The quality of the environment in the nation” (57%)

- “The state of race relations” (50%)

These were the only areas in which half or more of the respondents expressed satisfaction.

Americans were least satisfied with:

- “The state of the nation’s economy” (20%)

- “The nation’s efforts to deal with poverty and homelessness” (25%)

- “The amount Americans pay in federal taxes” (36%)

-“The level of immigration into the country today” (36%)

-“The nation’s energy policy” (37%)

All other areas received satisfaction scores between 40-50%.

It is interesting to note that since 2005, there have been some significant changes in attitude.  Americans now express significantly higher satisfaction with:

 -“The acceptance of homosexuality in the nation” (+17% from 32% to 49%)

 - “The availability of affordable healthcare” (+15% from 25% to 40%)

 - “The Social Security and Medicare Systems” (+12% from 31% to 43%)

Americans are generally more satisfied today with military (+8%) and anti-terrorism efforts (+9%).

The economy is clearly the area of greatest dissatisfaction.  In fact, since 2005, satisfaction has dropped 27% from 47% to 20%. The other area where satisfaction has dropped significantly is crime (a drop of 8%).

Several things about this poll are interesting to me.  Americans feel better about the military and national security although that was a clear focus and priority of President Bush.  More interesting, I wonder why people are so dissatisfied with the economy and so satisfied with aspects of the economy that are the greatest problems (e.g., entitlement programs, health care).

Finally, and I admit this is a bit parochial, I wonder why Gallup didn’t include questions about higher education! 

(As always, your comments and questions are welcome.)

Today the nation celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  In past years, I have shared some of my own views about this great American and extraordinary peacemaker.  His life and his teachings have greatly influenced my beliefs, my values and my career.  I thought it was worth sharing some of these ideas again.  Next week, I will return to the topic of the investment in a college education.  Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day … celebrate it through an act of service to the community!

For most of our traditional-age students, the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has been a part of their entire lives. Sadly, it took 15 years from the year of King’s assassination to establish this federal holiday.

The original legislation to commemorate Dr. King was introduced by Congressman John Conyers from Michigan just four days after the assassination.  When the original bill was not passed, petitions were signed by six million people endorsing the holiday.  The bill finally passed and was signed into law by President Reagan in 1983.

The original proposal was to celebrate the holiday on January 15^th, the date of Dr. King’s birth.  Because of a concern about the proximity to Christmas and New Year’s, the date of the holiday was set for the third Monday of January.  This year we will celebrate this special day on January 21^st .

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings have had a significant influence on the beliefs, values and philosophy of leadership of many people.  Some who hold Dr. King in high esteem are chagrined that in the over 40 years since his death, we continue to confront serious issues of racism, poverty, injustice and violence.

But Dr. King’s contributions to the overall quality of our lives and the improvement of our society are immeasurable.  And it is extraordinary in so many ways that as we celebrate Dr. King, the country is, in fact, led by its first African-American president, who is being inaugurated for his second term on this very day.  Regardless of your politics, the election and re-election of Barak Obama provide evidence that Dr. King’s mission and message have taken root in this country.  While there continue to be bumps on the road towards equity, tolerance and civility, we are making progress.

When I teach a course on leadership, the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is always part of the curriculum.  My students always read Letter From A Birmingham Jail and often watch a video of the “I Have A Dream” speech. I am always amazed that for many students, this is the first time they have seen this speech and read any of Dr. King’s writings.  He was an extraordinary speaker, but an equally powerful writer.  While the videotapes of his speeches lack the technological qualities of today, his writings will still inspire any reader.

Today is a day to reflect on the life and the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  At the end of this blog entry, I have listed some of my favorite quotes from Dr. King’s writings and speeches that I have used repeatedly over the years.  I would urge you to read some of Dr. King’s speeches and books.  Take the time to read (or reread) Letter From A Birmingham Jail, and find the “I Have A Dream Speech” on the Internet and just listen.  Hopefully, the quotes that follow will also help capture the core of his message.

But even more important, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a good time to reflect upon our own lives… to think about our values, our commitment to service and the Common Good, our willingness to speak out and act for justice.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is more than a holiday; it is a call to action. The best way to celebrate Dr. King’s life and contributions is to turn his teachings into action.  I encourage you to read and reflect upon the words of Dr. King.  I encourage you to work for justice and equality.

And sadly, we still face overwhelming challenges and threats to peace and equality in this country and throughout the world.  How you act for justice and equality is a personal decision … but you must act.  Helping at a social service agency, donating to support food and energy programs, tutoring, getting involved in political action, etc. … all are consistent with Dr. King’s vision.

But speaking out is as important and sometimes harder.  When we are silent to injustice we indirectly condone this behavior and these actions.  Our voices are powerful weapons of peace and justice.  Keep Dr. King’s dream alive today and every day!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotations

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

 “I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”

“If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.  He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well."

“A lie cannot live.”

“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.  He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”

“Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

(As always, your comments and questions are welcome.)