 |
|
|
 |
 |
Education and economic future
November 1, 2006
The Oklahoman
By Phil G. Busey
Economic development and education go hand in hand. Companies need trained and skilled
workers. We can provide them in Oklahoma.
Our most valuable resource is in our classrooms. Recently The Oklahoman featured
a front-page article on single-sex classrooms. Discussions about over-simplified
solutions and proposed single-sex classes are misplaced when such real needs exist
for systemic educational reforms.
In a global marketplace, "business as usual" education won't work. It's time for
innovative action requiring reforms and implementing new ways of bringing education
and business together. Kids need resources and input early about educational choices
and career awareness. At best, we put few resources into helping students understand
career options. We want our kids to find good jobs and our state's economy to grow.
Bringing business and education together in a new era of cooperation can reap substantial
dividends for our children and our economy.
There are great career options based upon strong science, technology, engineering
and mathematics curriculums. An aging work force is thinning the ranks of engineers
and skilled technicians. We aren't doing enough to inspire students about future
careers. Schools fail to graduate students with the skill sets needed by technology-based
businesses. How much time and money are lost when a high school senior decides to
go to college with no understanding of expectations or career focus?
Finding the next generation of worker is a national problem. Without homegrown workers,
companies have no choice but to look overseas. Students opt for general degrees
instead of specialized degrees. Aerospace has a huge financial investment in Oklahoma.
Aerospace needs engineers, technicians and aviation professionals now. We have lost
jobs and need new businesses. Let's offer a progressive solution. We will grow employees,
educate and train them if you will hire them. An investment in education and new
curriculums will lead to growth in this state. We can be the place for the employees
industries are searching for.
The national needs of these businesses create our opportunity. With the right investment
in our kids, we can build the best educational system at all levels from K-12 to
higher education. Let's give industries a reason to locate here.
Companies are demanding "human resource" pipelines. The chairman of a large firm,
when asked about relocating here, said we need a continuing source of skilled employees.
He said dialogue between their company and educators is essential for a working
model. He said it's too late for beginning development when a student graduates.
The process should begin in elementary school forward. He would consider Oklahoma
but if they have to recruit in Texas, why wouldn't they locate there?
Oklahoma has a chance to make a difference. It's not enough to consider less than system overhaul. We should demand a funded, concentrated effort to build a next-generation
educational system. It's past time for facilitation of dialogue between business,
state leaders and educators. The opportunity is to supply the next generation for
industries already here and those that will come.
Busey is chairman and CEO of The Busey Group of Companies.
|
|
|
5721 NW 132nd Street
OKC, OK 73142
Ph: 405.721.7776
Fax: 405.721.7779 |
|
|
|
 |
