The College Puzzle Blog
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Dr. Michael W. Kirst

Michael W. Kirst is Professor Emeritus of Education and Business Administration at Stanford University since 1969.
Dr. Kirst received his Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard. Before joining the Stanford University faculty, Dr. Kirst held several positions with the federal government, including Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Manpower, Employment and Poverty. He was a former president of the California State Board of Education. His book From High School to College with Andrea Venezia was published by Jossey Bass in 2004.
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My blog discusses the important and complex subjects of college completion, college success, student risk factors (for failing), college readiness, and academic preparation. I will explore the pieces of the college puzzle that heavily influence, if not determine, college success rates.

Landmines for P-16 State Councils

The Education Commission of the States-www.ecs.org has published a useful analysis of the 38 states that have created new structures to better integrate p-12 grades and postsecondary education. It features problems with council membership,vague agendas, lack of funds and staff, and politics among levels that can overwhelm the nascent units. But it also has policies and practices that can lead to some success. There are specific examples of how to overcome each obstacle. In short, p-16 councils should try harder and not give up.
These councils are often the only way for k-12 and postsecondary officials to deliberate on common problems. Many concrete actions have ensued. So they are well worth continuing to improve. Our p-16 governance units are fractured and need some new organization to improve policymaking.

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posted by The College Puzzle at 11/16/2008

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