Merging Minds

By Robert B. Stein

The proposal to merge the departments of K-12 and higher education considered by the legislature this session proves that some Missouri leaders believe a more integrated approach will result in Missouri doing better in student success from pre-school through college (P-20).

The fact that the proposal failed to pass need not halt progress on fulfilling this goal.

Making P-20 education in Missouri a reality requires a commitment to collaboration and coordination at every level and department of government. I believe that collaborative efforts throughout state government can be expanded that will lead to positive changes for Missouri students.

In a meeting with Governor Nixon this month, I recommended the following list of ideas for accomplishing a more effective P-20 education system in Missouri without requiring a constitutional amendment to merge DESE and MDHE or to design a wholesale overhaul of the existing system:

• Develop a single strategic plan that links preschool, K-12, higher education, and workforce development
• Set joint goals and establish agreed upon measures to accomplish the following:
  • Redesign of the senior year of high school
  • Increase Missouri’s college-going and completion rates
    • Enrollment
      • DESE data – 66% enroll
      • NCHEMS data – 57% enroll (state rank 38th)
  • Completions associate degree or higher
    • 37% age 25-34 (state rank 23rd)
    • 35% age 25-64 (state rank 35th)
  • Reduce the percentage of new high school graduates requiring remediation
    • 37% of recent graduates require remediation
  • Continue integration of a K-12, postsecondary education and workforce database
  • Increase the number of highly qualified teachers recruited and retained
  • Increase the success of student transfers across Missouri colleges and universities
    • 40% two- to four-year success rate of baccalaureate completion
  • Develop an employer feedback system to promote:
    • Identification of skill sets and academic programs needed in a new economy
    • Preparation of workers for demands of job
    • Professional development and retraining needed for current workforce
  • Increase the number of on-time FAFSA filers
    • 41% of Access Missouri-eligible freshmen file by April 1st
• Become engaged with Win-Win (Lumina supported initiative for degree completion)
• Join Complete College America Alliance – 21 states networking best practices

I believe it’s realistic to expect government and education leaders to take these steps if they are serious about creating a continuum of education that leads to productive employment and economic growth for the state.