Survey: "Few Believe a Good Education is Necessary"
Posted by The Grand Rapids Press November 29, 2007 20:04PM
Categories: Breaking News
GRAND RAPIDS -- Michigan's struggling economy has people thinking that schools should be emphasizing job skills instead of college preparation -- a perception educators say they need to change.
Less than a third of the people responding to a recent survey believe a good education is essential for success, pollster Ed Sarpolus of the Lansing-based EPIC/MRA told county school board members and business leaders at forums today.
Sarpolus said Michigan needs to change its culture regarding the importance of education, and that results in West Michigan are no different than on the east side of the state.
The poll was commissioned by the Kent Intermediate School District. Superintendent Kevin Konarska said the results show that businesses and schools need to send a common message -- that the economy will improve if people continue their schooling and provide a workforce with in-demand skills.
Sarpolus, who polled 600 people from across Kent County, said older residents are less likely to see a pressing need for an education, especially for an expensive college degree.
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