WASHINGTON, June 27, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ ----Experts cite strong link between student achievement and economic growth; New poll reveals Americans believe the quality of a country's education system has a big impact on its economic prosperity

America's failure to keep pace with the education gains of other industrialized countries is creating a serious education gap that will impact our economic prosperity, warned some of the nation's preeminent economists who gathered today at a national policy forum convened by Strong American Schools' ED in 08 Chairman Roy Romer and Librarian of Congress Dr. James H. Billington.

The forum, Remaining Competitive in a Flat World, featured economists and educators who have studied the economic returns of boosting academic achievement and graduation rates. Researchers presented the latest results of international assessments showing that American students lag behind the top tier of industrialized nations. For example, American 15-year-olds score significantly below average on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Out of 30 industrialized countries participating in the 2006 assessment, the United States ranked 25th in math and 21st in science.

This education gap is growing. As recently as 1998, the United States was tied for first among industrialized nations in the percentage of 25 - 34 year olds with at least a bachelor's degree. By 2005, the United States had dropped to seventh place.

"Strong American Schools has done what too few in this national election year have done: made the state of our education system a priority by highlighting some of the serious problems we face," said former United States Secretary of Education Dr. Bill Bennett. "Stating the problem is the first step toward solving it. Strong American Schools states many of the problems, and if they remain unaddressed, we simply will not be able to make this century the American Century, again."

A new national poll released today reveals that Americans understand the powerful link between educational achievement and economic growth. Fully 86 percent of respondents think a country's education system has a large impact on its overall economic prosperity. However, the poll also shows that Americans do not appreciate how far the United States has fallen behind the rest of the industrialized world.

"It's like we're driving with a broken gas gauge and praying that the tank is still full," said Romer. "While a strong majority of Americans believe the quality of America's schools impact our economy, nearly half - 48 percent - think our students score the same or better than children from other industrialized nations."

"The education gap between the United States and the rest of the industrialized world is as real as the trade gap between the United States and China," continued Romer. "Our young people aren't getting an education that prepares them to succeed in a global marketplace. If America is to remain competitive in a flat world, we must make education reform a priority. That means rigorous standards, more time in school, and performance pay for teachers."

Participants also discussed the economic impact of an increase in student skills, which would improve productivity and increase economic output. Dr. Eric A. Hanushek, with the Hoover Institution, estimated that increasing American performance on the PISA to match top-scoring countries, like Canada and South Korea, would yield an additional 4.5 percent GDP in about two decades. "As competition increases around the world, the United States is increasingly dependent on the quality and knowledge of its workers - and our schools today are not fully meeting the challenge," noted Hanushek.

The event also featured insights from Thomas Toch, co-founder of Education Sector and former senior education correspondent at U.S. News & World Report. Andreas Schleicher, head of the Indicators and Analysis Division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Gary Phillips, chief scientist for the American Institutes of Research, compared evidence on the performance of international education systems and discussed what the United States can learn from other nations' successes. A panel of economists, including Hanushek, Clive Belfield, associate professor of economics at Queens College, and Helen F. Ladd, professor of public policy studies and professor of economics at Duke University, was moderated by CNN Special Correspondent Frank Sesno and examined the links between student achievement and economic growth.

Belfield presented research detailing the social costs of inadequate education measured by reduced tax revenue and higher costs of public services, such as health care, criminal justice, and public assistance. Belfield found the benefits of intervention programs that increase graduation rates for disadvantaged students far outweigh the costs.

"We are pleased to welcome Gov. Romer, Dr. Hanushek and other economists and education leaders to the Library of Congress to focus on the importance of education to our nation's future," said Librarian of Congress Dr. Billington. "We hope our panel discussions help spur a national conversation about these issues."

Strong American Schools is a nonpartisan public awareness and advocacy effort aimed at elevating discussion amongst America's leaders about the need for education reform. Through its campaign, ED in 08, the organization seeks to unite all Americans around the crucial mission of improving our public schools by elevating the discussion to a national stage.

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http://www.edin08.com 

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