A stalemate of will

So what can we expect on the issue of reform:

A. There exist a progress/innovation resistant culture- The dysfunction, tug of war turf guarding, disconnection, apathy and the status quo(ers).

B. Even allowing for a best-case scenario where, tomorrow all the stakeholders agree on a direction of reform, the task is still incredibly daunting.

C. Given the slow response time of our entrenched institutions; reforming our education systems is a long-term project of incremental steps rather than radical shifts.

In the meantime, what do we say to young people coming through our education system; too bad, luck of the draw, you came along at the wrong time?

Beyond personalities and partisanship

Unlikely allies in a crisis

Many young people who graduate from high school are unprepared for the demands of post-secondary education and the workplace.

College Instructors- 42 percent of high school graduates are not adequately prepared college level classes and are struggling or have to take remedial courses to catch up.

Employers - estimate that 45 percent of recent high school graduates are not adequately prepared to advance beyond entry level.

Source: Peter D. Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies, Rising to the Challenge: Are High School Graduates Prepared for College and Work? prepared for Achieve, Inc., 2005.