Higher Education Reform

Persuasive Essay # 102983

Education > Higher

This paper argues that reforms are needed in the U.S. higher education system.

1,725 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that, although many Americans do not see the U.S. higher education system as a troubled area, if they were to look closer, they would recognize that it is in desperate need of reform. The author points out that, over the past few decades, our higher education systems have been lagging in four key components: access, affordability, quality and accountability. The paper relates that Secretary Margaret Spellings and the U.S. Department of Education did a year-long investigation of the Higher Education system in hopes of coming up with effective solutions to these problems. The paper underscores that many students do not feel ready for college because they are inadequately prepared and there are many financial barriers. The paper stresses that, because the system is so intrinsically linked to the future success of the children and the nation, its reform should be one of the highest priorities.

From the Paper:

"Just between 1995 and 2005, the tuition for attending a private four-year college rose about 36 percent, 51 percent in public institutions and 30 percent in community colleges (after adjusting for inflation). The worst part of this is that there are no incentives for colleges and universities to cut their costs because prestige is often measured by resources. Along with affordability is the problem of financial aid in the U.S. Our financial aid systems is too complex, long, confusing, inefficient, and usually does not provide aid for those who require it the most."

Sample of Sources Used:

Cheryl, Peck. "Chancellor Ringeisen's Response to the Spellings Commission's Report on Improving Higher Education." E-mail to UIS Employee. 27 Sept. 2006.
Helm, Peyton R. "Spellings Report Would Weaken Higher Education." Morning Call 27 Sept. 2006, Fifth ed., sec. A: 13.
Huey, Bill. "Reform 101: Higher Education Fails Test." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 20 Aug. 2006, Main ed., sec. C: 3.
Spelling, Margaret. "An Action Plan for Higher Education." National Press Club. National Press Club, Washington D.C. 22 Sept. 2006.
U.S. Department of Education, A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U.S. Higher Education. Washington, D.C., 2006.