[Source: The Arizona Republic]
By Craig Barrett
As a business leader, I’m very impressed with the new educational strategy outlined in the Race to the Top application submitted by the state of Arizona in the second round of funding. Although Arizona did not receive funding for its application, we must not wait to take action. The time to act is now.
The Race to the Top plan will ensure a strong economic future for Arizona. Clearly, the business of Arizona has changed dramatically during the state’s first 100 years. Copper, cotton, citrus, cattle and climate have been and still are key economic drivers. Today, Arizona is committed to high tech, aerospace, biotech and solar energy. Business leaders agree that the continued success of these new efforts and other 21st-century industries depends on college and career readiness and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education for all Arizona students.