Does America Really Need More College Grads? - George Leef

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2010/02/26/Debate_Education_and_the_Economy

George Leef, Director of Research at the John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy, deconstructs several common arguments that propose the need for increasing the number of college graduates in the U.S. Leef argues that the number of people with college degrees currently outweighs the number of jobs that require them, and suggests that graduating more people will only lead to "credential inflation."

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The rapid growth of China, India, Brazil and other emerging powers has dramatically altered the complexion of the global economy in recent years. At the same time, rising deficits, high trade imbalances, a declining dollar, and a lingering economic downturn have placed America's position within the global economy in peril-and have policymakers deliberating over the keys to America's economic future.

One area often cited as critical to the nation's future economic strength is higher education, particularly that America must dramatically increase the number of college-educated citizens to remain a leading economic power. - Miller Center for Public Affairs

George Leef is Director of Research at the John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy in Raleigh, NC. He was previously on the faculty of Northwood University and a policy adviser in the Michigan Senate. Since 1996, he has served as book review editor of the Foundation for Economic Education's magazine, The Freeman.

Leef is the author of Free Choice for Workers: A History of the Right to Work Movement, and editor of Educating Teachers: The Best Minds Speak Out.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI) and a juris doctor from Duke University School of Law.

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[scottandrewhutchins]

@SenatorJPO Which really sucks when you have the medical restrictions that I have. If I were to wait tables, I would surely have a back spasm and give someone a concussion with whatever I were holding.

[scottandrewhutchins]

@SenatorJPO He had me put my stuff in storage and take a bus to Jacksonville for a three-month probationary period at $1,500 a month, which is a much more livable income there than it is in NYC. If successful, I will be given a raise an an $800 bonus to help with relocation. I'm currently living in a furnished room in an elderly lady's house, paid for with advances from my salary. On Thursday, I'm supposed to get a used car that will be paid in installments from my paycheck.

[SenatorJPO]

@kuunami Research and Development

[SenatorJPO]

@scottandrewhutchins Networking is pretty much the only way for most graduates to get a decent job. I hope the interview goes well… Keep us posted.

[kuunami]

@crumcon

what does R&D stand for?

[Seita1223]

@TenderTrap86 Neitzsche was an elitist prick

[scottandrewhutchins]

@SenatorJPO I'm supposed to be starting a new job with one of my grad school colleagues. He told me Monday that he would meet with me when he came to New York tomorrow, but he still hasn't told me where or what time. My M.A. is in film and media studies, and the fact that prior to my colleague, I had never interviewed for a related position, seemed to mean no one else would hire me, either. I went to an interview last year in which they harped on it, but not until the second interview.

[SenatorJPO]

@scottandrewhutchins I hear you. Few employers appreciate a Master’s degree in anything other than Business Administration. I got mine in Public Admin, thinking it would be a less competitive market, but no.

[happinesson]

education is a MUST.

[district2d]

Employers should focus on setting requirments based on certificates and diplomas..not bachelor degrees.