Emerging Issues

Public schools and higher education nationwide must adapt to the "radical decentralization" of information caused by technology, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said during the 25th annual Emerging Issues Forum in Raleigh. But Pawlenty warned against believing the public sector will lead the reformation. "It will not come from the government, who is on cutting edge of obsolescence of technology," he said. Pawlenty, a two-term Republican governor, talked to hundreds of state corporate leaders, politicians and other notables gathered for a day and a half to discuss how to bolster creativity throughout the state. Technology has allowed anyone worldwide with a cell phone or computer to access knowledge easily, compared to a generation ago when media outlets or government were more likely to command where it could be accessed, Pawlenty said. So the U.S. and every state must find an advantage to separate it from the rest of the world and become the driver to create high-paying jobs. Pawlenty said public education nationwide must foster a more accessible learning environment, like offering more college and high school classes online. Pawlenty said Minnesota's state universities must offer 25 percent of their courses online by 2015, and he praised University of North Carolina system President Erskine Bowles for his commitment to moving more classes to the Internet.

North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue told participants later Monday that her administration was fostering innovation and an economy that rewards creativity. Perdue's application for up to $400 million in federal education reform grants would create a climate of classroom creativity through the use of technology. A state Commerce Department program aims to help 2,000 small businesses this year stay viable by shepherding them on matters of credit, cash management and controlling expenses. She also wants the General Assembly to approve a tax credit for North Carolina companies that create jobs in the state. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, speaking by video conference because he couldn't fly in from snow-covered Washington, said the Obama administration wants to provide money to broaden school curricula beyond the basic skills so that students can tap into their creativity. That will help lower the dropout rate because they'll want to stay in school, he said. "We have to make sure that children are getting a well-rounded education if we're serious about them fulfilling their great, great potential," Duncan said. (Gary D. Robertson, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 2/08/10).