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Content
for March 16, 2001 from the Indiana Business Research Center
HOOSIERS CLEARLY
“EARN WHAT THEY LEARN”
This week new concerns have come from the Statehouse over a projected shortfall in revenue attributed to lower-than-expected income tax inflows. At the same time our economic gurus continue to fret over slow growth in our personal income sector and workforce preparedness. Media focus on education seems locked upon ISTEP scores and the question of vouchers. Through all this, continued education after high school receives only lukewarm attention. Perhaps we need to keep in mind, “You earn what you learn.”
Better jobs are attracted and created through
availability of a skilled workforce.
1990 Census data showed Indiana ranking a woeful 46th in
percentage of adults (25 and older) with a Bachelors Degree or higher. We were a mediocre 31st in those
with a high school diploma or greater.
Indiana’s percentage of college graduates was a sad 15.6% compared to
the national figure of 20.3%. It is
hardly a coincidence those figures mirror the fact we rank 30th in
per capita income.
A quick look at the correlation between income and
educational levels in Indiana’s five wealthiest and poorest (per capita)
counties dramatically demonstrates the education/income equation. While demographics can have strong impact
upon statistics, [Example: Lagrange
County ranks last of our 92 counties in percentage of high school graduates –
but attributable to it’s large Amish population.] we should give “you earn what
you learn” equal weight. As expected,
Hamilton County is number one in both income and education. At the other end of the spectrum, Crawford
County’s next-to-last ranking in both percentage of high school and college
graduates means it is no surprise it is 89th in per capita income.
Be it traditional classroom or vocational/career continued education, we need to increase efforts that will pay off in higher earnings for Hoosiers - and the resultant increased revenues to support public services. Improving ISTEP scores might not be our primary educational challenge.
