Measuring Up 2006--South Carolina's Report

The independent, non partisan National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education has published its biennial study, entitled "Measuring Up". Measuring Up 2006, evaluates states on their performance in higher education because it is the states that are primarily responsible for educational access and quality in the United States. The report card grades states in six overall performance categories:

• Preparation: How adequately does the state prepare students for education and training beyond high school? (South Carolina's grade C+
• Participation: Do state residents have sufficient opportunities to enroll in education and training beyond high school? (South Carolina's grade D+)
• Affordability: How affordable is higher education for students and their families? (South Carolina's grade F )
• Completion: Do students make progress toward and complete their certificates or degrees in a timely manner? (South Carolina's grade B+) Note: six years is the average timely matter!
• Benefits: What benefits does the state receive from having a highly educated population? (South Carolina's grade C )
• Learning: What is known about a student learning as a result of training beyond high school? (South Carolina's grade + )

The preface of the report states: " South Carolina's underperformance in preparing high school students for an enrolling them in higher education could limit the state's access to a competitive workforce and weaken its economy over time. Since the early 1990's, South Carolina has seen a double digit drop in the proportion of 9th graders graduating from high schoo, and the state now ranks among the lowest in the country on this measure. Since the early 1990's, colleges and universities in South Carolina have become less affordable for students and their families. If these trends are not addressed, they could undermine the state's ability to compete successfully in a global economy."

As a former higher education administrator, ie: college president, vice president, dean, and professor, I am deeply concerned about the plight of higher education in our beloved state. I am particularly concerned about the "affordability factor", because of its impact upon minorities. The net college costs for low- and middle-income students to attend community/technical colleges represents 41% of their annual family income. The cost for these students to attend public four year colleges and universities, represents 54% of their annual family income. These "families" earn on the average of $17,708 annually. Over 80% of South Carolina students attend either public two- and four year institutions.

Perhaps, it is time for Governor Mark Sanford's proposal to cap the tutition at our state colleges and universities, and tie the increases to the Higher Education Price Index? Incidentally, Governor Sanford's proposal has been admantly opposed by the state colleges. Why? Is this a denial of equal educational opportunity, or partisan politics?

Is the state of South Carolina progressing in closing the achievement gap between black and white students? According to the report, only 36 percent of the state's 18-21 year olds are enrolled in college, and the racial gap in college participation has narrowed slightly, but still 40 percent of white young adults are in college compared with 28 percent of black young adults.

I admantly believe if South Carolina is to become a key player in the emerging competitive global marketplace, then we must become competitive in our educational delivery system, by providing Quality Choice Options in Education for children and families. Only then, will we be able to compete successfully in a global economy.

The entire report can be viewed at: www.highereducation.org

Dr. Taliaferro