Education is ‘Job One’
Maine’s future and its economy depend on how well we prepare our citizens for the 21st century. In the next decade, 90 percent of high-growth jobs will require post secondary education. As we have witnessed, the history of promise from a high school diploma and the vaunted County work ethic cannot compete for even middle class standards in our current and future economy. Preparing for these challenges means providing all Mainers with a quality education, from early childhood through lifelong learning.
That is why the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education (MCEE) and a broad coalition of partners have launched the Prepare Maine Initiative. As concerned citizens and leaders in business, education and law enforcement, we want Maine to focus on three clear long-term goals for educating our people:
• All young children have access to quality programs that advance their development;
• Students graduate from high school prepared with the knowledge and skills they need for college, career, and citizenship; and
• Many more Mainers complete a college degree or occupational certificate.
If we want to accomplish these goals, we need to adopt an all hands on deck attitude, with everyone from parents and teachers to politicians and businesses working together for the benefit of students and, as such, a thriving economy.
Let us be sure to make note of the fact that businesses look at the education level of a region-before even such major considerations as taxes and utility rates-as the primary incentive for location and incorporation. An educated workforce reliably demonstrates commitment to home ownership, family and community. That equals productivity for business. Education equals jobs creation.
Every indicator levels a keen eye on how fundamental education works for the common good. As a member of the Board of Correction and as an attorney of 44 years experience, I can attest that the majority of incarcerated individuals have not attained a higher level of education. Costs of incarceration are an enormous burden on the tax base. The investment we seek in the new economy is far more practical and cost-effective than the status-quo.
I am hopeful because there some communities around Maine and around the country that are already showing us how we can remodel our educational system to meet new challenges. They have shown us how we can prepare all of our people by focusing on seven core priorities: quality early learning experiences; high standards and personalized learning opportunities; effective, knowledgeable, well-trained teachers; engaged parents, families and communities; expanded access to and support for college and workforce training; collection and analysis of reliable data; and efficient and equitable investment of educational resources.
At May’s Prepare Maine campaign launch in Bangor, Skowhegan and Portland, MCEE highlighted practices that, if replicated, would make enormous strides in preparing Maine people for the future economy.
Among many feats, MCEE described how the western Maine towns of Jackman and Moose River raised college-going rates to 98 percent for their high school graduates in just five years, and how Searsport District High School went from near the bottom of the state’s rankings to most improved in a mere three years. Now that’s encouraging!
As encouraging as this is, Maine has much more to do. While K-12 test scores are relatively high, we have been trending toward the middle of the pack. Maine trails the rest of New England in college degree attainment, the chief reason we rank last in average incomes. I implore all of us to do more to give our children a solid developmental foundation.
With clear goals and focused priorities, we can build deeper and more sustained public understanding of, and support for, educational reform. If we want to prepare all of our people for success, we must make this long-term commitment. This work will not be easy or fast, but we must start now to achieve the necessary results for a sustainable Maine economy.
I visit the County dozens of times a year, sometimes for business and often for pleasure. We have been hemorrhaging talent and population for far too long. Born and raised in Houlton, I am well apprised of our talent and virtues and I believe in the once and future juggernaut that is Aroostook.
Education is “Job One.”
I encourage everyone to visit www.preparemaine.org to explore the possibilities.
Tom Brown of Bangor has been with Eaton Peabody of Bangor since 1966. The law firm employs several attorneys and support staff with County roots.
