Thursday, August 05, 2004
A coalition in Arkansas wants to loosen the rules governing general obligation bonds. They are pushing a constitutional amendment to enable the issuance of bonds without voter approval. Read more.
Time would be better spent focusing on upgrading education across the board.
For example, in Arkansas only 11% of high school seniors have taken an upper level math course, compared to 56% for top states. Only 24% of the 18-24 year olds are enrolling in college, compared to 41% among top states. Source: Measuring Up.
Brainpower, not financing tools, will determine Arkansas' economic development trajectory.
Governor Richardson in New Mexico has got the right idea. He is promoting the New Mexico Laptop Initiative. His plan is to give every seventh grader in the state a laptop computer. His vision is to make sure that everyone coming out of the schools has the opportunity and knowledge to work effectively with computers. Smart. Read more.
A recent study in Henrico County, VA demonstrated the benefits of a laptop program. In one survey conducted as part of the study, 97% of mathematics and science teachers reported that the computers have helped students to learn these challenging subjects. Learn more.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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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.
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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.
Arkansas group focuses on the wrong target
