Future of American Education

A new report from The College Board recommends that at least 55 percent of young Americans earn a community college degree or higher by the year 2025 in order to maintain global competitiveness and leadership in education. Among the ten steps recommended to achieve this goal are to provide universally available preschool education; to keep college affordable; to clarify and simplify the admissions process; and to provide postsecondary opportunities as an essential element of adult education programs. High school graduation rates have fallen from about 77 percent in 1971 to 67 percent today. In recent years, American college completion rates have dropped from number two in the world for younger workers (age 25–34) to number eleven.

The College Board (2008). Coming to our sense: Education and the American future. New York, NY: The College Board. https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/advocacy/admissions21century/coming-to-our-senses-college-board-2008.pdf