Saturday, October 11, 2003
When we draw the connection between education and economic development, we often forget that over 80% of our workforce in the year 2010 is already in the workforce. And many of these workers have relatively low literacy levels.
(Literacy is measured on four levels. The lowest level is 1: Individuals have great difficulty reading and are generally aware that they have a problem. At Level 2, individuals can read, but not well. They can deal with material that is simple and clearly laid out. They often don't recognize their limitations. Most states have adult populations in which 45% to 55% of the adults are in Levels 1 and 2. For example, in Virginia, 47% of the adults are at Levels 1 or 2.)
Virginia Governor Warner is targeting this issue with a new initiative: Education for a Lifetime. Using NASCAR as a promotional force, the governor is publicizing the connection between education and earning. It's a good move. Learn more.
posted by Ed Morrison |
links
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Virginia's Education for a Lifetime initiative
