Since the recession of 2008, the United Scares has been debating
how ro restore and enhance the health of irs economy. Bur what has
been lost in chis short-run focus on stimulus spending and federal
deficits is the need ro reform the nation's public schools, the engine
behind any long-run growth.
An economy's ability to grow over time-its ability ro innovate and
raise both productivity and real incomes-is strongly tied to the quality
of education provided ro the vast majority of workers. Skills and intellectual
capital are increasingly important in a modern economy, and
schools play a central role in the development of valuable skills.