Massachusetts lawmakers and education officials have proven time and again that they will turn the world upside to give a competitive edge to public school students in grades K-12. By comparison, a public college student could be drowning and expect nothing from the state but another faceful of water.
“Time to Lead,’’ a recent report on the need for excellence in public higher education, puts a sharp focus on the problem. The strong use of vibrant color and thoughtful design elements jumps out immediately at the reader. As government documents go, it’s practically gorgeous. But it’s not so pretty after reading the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s analysis of the state’s 29 public university campuses and community colleges.
Comments
Bravo! Our economic future depends on this. We have made great strides in our public sector higher education, but difficult times have allowed a retrenchment. We must press forward again. I graduated from a private university, but have had opportunities to spend some time studying at U.Mass/Boston and Mass Bay Community College. I was inspired, not only by the dedicated and talented faculty, but particularly by the students, many older, holding down jobs and taking care of their families, while persevering at expanding their education and their job prospects. There is hardly an investment that is more likely to pay off in the long term.
I'm sure tax payers would be open to investing more into these state schools if the state would stop loading them with over-paid patronage hires.
If the Globe were even remotely honest it would discuss all the six figure positions at Umass, especially since Bill Bulger was there.
It would also discuss how tuitions have skyrocketed NOT because of more professors or highly paid professors (no Lizzie Warrens at UMass) but rather because they have way more "administrators" than ever before.
This country needs scientists and engineers, not experts in extinct ancient dialects! No more government money for liberal arts degrees! Liberal arts degrees are a waste of money and it is obscene to waste my tax dollars supporting liberal arts college students! If you aren't in a science or engineering program, you shouldn't get a dime of government money, from any level of government!