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BizVoice/Indiana Chamber – March/April 2016
IT’S ALL ABOUT
THE PEOPLE
When the
Indiana Vision 2025
economic development plan was
released four years ago, this was the opening commentary in the
Outstanding Talent section:
“Few items in this plan are beyond debate, but the need to invest
in our people for their own well-being, as well as the state’s future
economic prosperity, is a given. In fact, developing human potential
through education, training and exposure to new ways of thinking and
doing things is of paramount importance, especially given current
demographic trends.
“Much progress has been made over the past decade with more to
come as the most recent reforms to K-12 education begin to be
implemented. But the results of reform are years away and Indiana
regrettably starts from back in the field, dramatically behind other
states (and nations) in educational achievement. The economic
competition goes on and our goal must be to enhance our competitive
position as rapidly as possible.”
Today, these words still ring true. Many are working to achieve
progress – and
BizVoice
®
will continue to tell the stories about the
people and the programs striving to make a difference. We hope you
enjoy this always special section.
DRIVER 1: OUTSTANDING TALENT
• Increase the proficiency of Indiana students
in math, science and reading to “Top 5”
status internationally.
• Increase to 90% the proportion of Indiana
students who graduate from high school
ready for college and/or career training.
• Eliminate the educational achievement gaps at all levels, from
preschool through college, for disadvantaged populations.
• Increase to 60% the proportion of Indiana residents with high
quality postsecondary credentials.
• Increase the proportion of Indiana residents with bachelor’s degrees
or higher to “Top 10” status internationally.
• Increase the proportion of Indiana residents with postsecondary
credentials in STEM-related fields to “Top 5” status internationally.
• Develop, implement and fully fund a comprehensive plan for
addressing the skills shortages of adult and incumbent workers who
lack minimum basic skills.