In The Arizona Republic on February 13, 2010, Dr. Manny Rivera outlined the critical connection between education and the economy and highlighted a recent study by the Alliance for Excellent Education which addressed the impact the dropout epidemic is having on our economy.

The op-ed ran during the AASA National Conference on Education, and Dr. Rivera reframed the oft asked question, “How can we afford not to give our children the proper education?”

The Arizona Republic
February 13, 2010

A critical connection: Education and the economy

by Manuel Rivera -Special the Republic

This week, school superintendents and educational leaders representing 35,000 K-12 public schools across the country have been gathering in Phoenix for the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education. Like many Americans, their schools have been challenged by budget shortfalls, and this certainly will be addressed, but one can be sure that the nation’s dropout epidemic will be a top priority as well.

There is a critical connection between education and the economy, and a recent study by the Alliance for Excellent Education highlighted the impact the dropout epidemic is having on our economy. Cutting the dropout rate in half would lead to $5.3 billion in economic growth, the report stated. In Phoenix alone, an additional $70 million in spending and investment and $7 million in increased tax revenue would be generated by graduating just half of the 11,000 dropouts from the Class of 2008.

This reframes the oft asked question, “How can we afford not to give our children a proper education?”

We can’t, and it is a shared responsibility. Education and the economy are inextricably linked, and we must connect the interests of business, philanthropy, medicine and social services to lift public education as a true partner in the economic turnaround of our nation.

Engaging all stakeholders can improve teaching and learning in the classroom by taking a holistic approach that considers the strengths and needs that each student brings.

We know that students at risk of dropping out often require a flexible, alternative option to the mainstream high-school education. A “graduation advancement” program may incorporate professional internships that build on the in-class curriculum and prepare students with the 21st-century skills that are crucial to succeed in the workplace.

It has never been more clear that ending the dropout crisis in this country is imperative to creating a lasting economic recovery, improving our global competitiveness, and most notably, changing the future for thousands of students who drop out of school every single day.

Connecting classrooms to the real world is foremost to strengthening our economy. The youth of this nation, our future, deserve nothing less.

Manuel Rivera is CEO of Global Partnership Schools. He served as New York’s deputy secretary for education, and was named the 2006 AASA National Superintendent of the Year while serving in Rochester, N.Y.