A Perfect Storm

Download this report (pdf) here: Executive Summary (pdf) The full report of the “Perfect Storm” can be accessed in pdf format at this link.

-Angela


Our nation is in the midst of a perfect storm, according to ETS researchers — and the forecast is grim — unless we invest in policies that will change our perilous course.

A report from ETS's Policy Information Center, America's Perfect Storm: Three Forces Changing Our Nation's Future, looks at the convergence of three powerful sociological and economical forces that are changing our nation's future:

substantial disparities in skill levels (reading and math)
seismic economic changes (widening wage gaps)
sweeping demographic shifts (less education, lower skills)

There is little chance that economic opportunities will improve among key segments of our population if we follow our current path. To date, educational reform has not been sufficient to solve the problem. National test results show no evidence of improvement over the last 20 years. Scores are flat and achievement gaps persist. Hope for a better life — with decent jobs and livable wages — will vanish unless we act now.

We must raise our learning levels, increase our reading and math skills and narrow the existing achievement gaps, or these forces will turn the American Dream into an American Tragedy — putting our nation at risk.

Press Conference Highlights

(Video: February 5, 2007) — ETS President and CEO Kurt Landgraf discusses ETS's landmark report America's Perfect Storm: Three Forces Changing our Nation's Future, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The report warns of three converging forces that are putting our nation at risk: inadequate literacy skills, a changing economy and a diverse population and workforce.

Watch Video — (Window's Media File, 291 kbps, 5:57 Playing Time)