Higher Education Summit

What Do People Think? Results from an Illinois Public Opinion Survey

In May 2008, a public opinion survey was conducted on the attitudes and opinions of Illinois residents regarding higher education. Areas investigated included the overall value of a college degree in today’s economy, assessment of the State’s colleges and universities, issues pertaining to costs of attendance and financing the State’s colleges and universities, as well as future investment priorities for higher education in Illinois.

Based on the survey results, the public recognizes that education is an important issue. However, they are not overly impressed with how well Illinois public colleges and universities are performing. For example, in the backdrop of significant increases in tuition and fees, Illinois residents are not convinced that students are getting their money’s worth.

Click above to read the executive summary and to access the full report.

________________________________________________________________________________

Public education is a national priority.

photo from the FFPE brochureUnmet expectations and inequities create concern and calls for immediate action. New policies are being created and new practices are being implemented - often faster than solid evidence of outcomes and consequences can be determined.

It is time for a national dialogue. It is time to build a new, objective source of data, research, and information around this critical issue.

Our Mission

America is witnessing a drastic redefinition of the policies and practices associated with “public education.” Too often, discussions around the future of public education are strong on passion but short on actual evidence. The Forum for the Future of Public Education is filing that gap by building a resource of objective, research-based insights on key educational issues. We are establishing an open venue- a true public forum to debate controversial and consequential policy issues that will shape American’s future.

The future presents three significant challenges for education:

  • How do we enhance the capacity of public education to deliver on the promise of democracy?
  • How can individuals, institutions, and communities shape the knowledge society?
  • How should public education embrace diversity and provide equal access for all?