post-secondary

(Online edition headline: College isn't what it used to be, but it's critical)

By Frank Waterous

Recently, the value of a college education has come into question. Robert J. Samuelson of The Washington Post, for one, said the "college-for-all crusade has outlived its usefulness."

In these tough economic times, with unemployment high and college graduates facing a bleak job market, the question might seem worthy of debate. But that's because the question misses the mark on two crucial points:

The Bell's Frank Waterous, fifth from left, and Rich Jones, second from right, join a group of supporters as Gov. John Hickenlooper signs the Skills for Jobs Act. Sen. Linda Newell and Rep. Daniel Kagan, flanking the governor, sponsored the bill.

Senate Bill 11-052
Testimony to the House Education Committee
Frank Waterous, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst
May 4, 2011

My name is Frank Waterous, and I am a senior policy analyst with the Bell Policy Center. The Bell is a non-partisan, non-profit research and policy organization dedicated to expanding opportunity for all Coloradans.

Revised Opportunity Note reflects amendments made in the Senate to SB 07-148. The Fast College Fast Jobs bill allow eligible school districts to contract with higher education institutions to create programs through which participating high school students could simultaneously complete, within five years, both a high school diploma and an associates degree or career and technical education certificate.

SB 07-148 represents a net opportunity gain for Colorado. Along with assisting students to complete high school, the Fast College Fast Jobs pilot program proposed by the bill would make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for students who might otherwise drop out.

HB 06-1358 represents a net opportunity gain for Colorado. Along with assisting students to complete high school, the dual enrollment programs proposed by the bill would make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for students who might otherwise drop out of Colorado???s education pipeline.