What’s clear is the desperate need to elect representatives who are well versed in critical thinking instead of morons incapable of doing anything other than venturing into areas well beyond their intellectual capacity.
Thanks. You're correct! It also seems that our legislators spend a lot of time looking at what other conservative states are doing, and copying their legislation to introduce in Iowa ––whether it fits our state or not!
Why is the legislature and the governor continually messing with Iowa’s educational system? Isn’t the money flowing into private schools and the lack of additional financing for public school enough of a disaster to convince legislators they are headed down the wrong path - again?
Community colleges were not created to compete with universities or 4-year colleges. They each play a valuable part in the overall system, but duplication is not needed. If a student thinks they can’t afford a 4 year program at a private school, the colleges are usually willing to work with them by finding an on campus job to help with expenses.
Let’s get back to reality. Iowa has plenty of opportunities for students in post secondary education. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
If Iowa has extra money to throw around, I suggest they invest it in public schools, many who are struggling.
Thanks, Gayle. Yes, indeed! It surely seems that legislators (both on the state and national levels) view education as a prime target for reform that would re-shape our entire society into the mold that they prefer. Iowa's workforce shortages in the technology or high skill trade sectors requires greater collaboration, in my view, not setting loose new sources of competition. Thanks for your insights!
You're welcome, Kathi! Doesn't it seem as though there should be a higher bar for bills to be passed out of subcommittees for consideration by the House, in particular? It dilutes the time and energy that legislators need to focus on Iowa's greatest priorities. Thank you!
The point about Hispanic students and the demographic enrollment cliff is the one Iowa legislators seem determined to ignore entirely. Iowa is actively pursuing immigration enforcement policies that push away the exact population that research says will determine whether Iowa's colleges survive the next decade. You cannot simultaneously gut DEI offices, weaponize the Iowa Tuition Grant, crack down on immigrant communities, and then wonder why enrollment numbers keep dropping. As someone who writes about Iowa education and civic issues from Des Moines, I find the short-sightedness in this legislative session genuinely alarming and your breakdown of what is actually happening at Iowa's private colleges makes clear how much is at stake.
Rebecca, thank you so much for your insightful comments! I apologize for the slow uptake, since we had to watch ISU men in K.C. earlier this week. I appreciate your reinforcement of my column comments regarding Hispanic students, and the enrollment cliff. Thanks again for adding your observations from Des Moines!
Yes, Cheryl. They pick up ideas like at a smorgasbord from Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and all the other best cuisine offerings from around America. Then it’s off to Turkey, Hungry and Russia for dessert.
You are not alone Cheryl. We are looking to educate life long learners. Isn’t that what most of the “vision statements” of most K- 12 schools stress, or am I living in the past?
Thanks, Sarah. Yes, learning should be a life-long pursuit, and as rapid shifts in the job market impact the next generation of Iowans, they'll need a liberal education, critical thinking skills, and communication skills to thrive. Plus, they'll need to appreciate and celebrate the contributions of diverse members of our workforce.
Thanks, Larry! Don't we all! BTW, your letter to the editor in Sunday's Des Moines Register makes great points regarding the detrimental impact on education in Iowa.
What’s clear is the desperate need to elect representatives who are well versed in critical thinking instead of morons incapable of doing anything other than venturing into areas well beyond their intellectual capacity.
Thanks. You're correct! It also seems that our legislators spend a lot of time looking at what other conservative states are doing, and copying their legislation to introduce in Iowa ––whether it fits our state or not!
Why is the legislature and the governor continually messing with Iowa’s educational system? Isn’t the money flowing into private schools and the lack of additional financing for public school enough of a disaster to convince legislators they are headed down the wrong path - again?
Community colleges were not created to compete with universities or 4-year colleges. They each play a valuable part in the overall system, but duplication is not needed. If a student thinks they can’t afford a 4 year program at a private school, the colleges are usually willing to work with them by finding an on campus job to help with expenses.
Let’s get back to reality. Iowa has plenty of opportunities for students in post secondary education. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
If Iowa has extra money to throw around, I suggest they invest it in public schools, many who are struggling.
Thanks, Gayle. Yes, indeed! It surely seems that legislators (both on the state and national levels) view education as a prime target for reform that would re-shape our entire society into the mold that they prefer. Iowa's workforce shortages in the technology or high skill trade sectors requires greater collaboration, in my view, not setting loose new sources of competition. Thanks for your insights!
As always , well thought out and researched . We need you in Des Moines representing us and our future.
Thanks, Darlene! Thanks for your vote of confidence!
Well done, Cheryl, thank you. Once again Iowa legislators spotlight their chronic inability to think things through.
You're welcome, Kathi! Doesn't it seem as though there should be a higher bar for bills to be passed out of subcommittees for consideration by the House, in particular? It dilutes the time and energy that legislators need to focus on Iowa's greatest priorities. Thank you!
The point about Hispanic students and the demographic enrollment cliff is the one Iowa legislators seem determined to ignore entirely. Iowa is actively pursuing immigration enforcement policies that push away the exact population that research says will determine whether Iowa's colleges survive the next decade. You cannot simultaneously gut DEI offices, weaponize the Iowa Tuition Grant, crack down on immigrant communities, and then wonder why enrollment numbers keep dropping. As someone who writes about Iowa education and civic issues from Des Moines, I find the short-sightedness in this legislative session genuinely alarming and your breakdown of what is actually happening at Iowa's private colleges makes clear how much is at stake.
— Rebecca Nicole Schweitzer, Des Moines, Iowa
Rebecca, thank you so much for your insightful comments! I apologize for the slow uptake, since we had to watch ISU men in K.C. earlier this week. I appreciate your reinforcement of my column comments regarding Hispanic students, and the enrollment cliff. Thanks again for adding your observations from Des Moines!
Yes, Cheryl. They pick up ideas like at a smorgasbord from Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and all the other best cuisine offerings from around America. Then it’s off to Turkey, Hungry and Russia for dessert.
Ha!
You are not alone Cheryl. We are looking to educate life long learners. Isn’t that what most of the “vision statements” of most K- 12 schools stress, or am I living in the past?
Thanks, Sarah. Yes, learning should be a life-long pursuit, and as rapid shifts in the job market impact the next generation of Iowans, they'll need a liberal education, critical thinking skills, and communication skills to thrive. Plus, they'll need to appreciate and celebrate the contributions of diverse members of our workforce.
So many good questions! Hope legislators are paying attention.
Thanks, Larry! Don't we all! BTW, your letter to the editor in Sunday's Des Moines Register makes great points regarding the detrimental impact on education in Iowa.
Outstanding analysis, as always.
Thanks so much, Marti! I appreciate your encouragement.