Two very interesting op-eds in the Seattle Times today piqued your author's interest and begged the question, at least in my mind, if the two were related.

First was the dramatic increase in the Everett School Distrcit's graduation rate, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2012073577_edit10grads.html, which went up to 84% from an appalling 53% -- clearly major progress that should be celebrated and emulated by every school district in the state. The op-ed discusses some of the methods and changes that Everett made to increase the rate that is above both state and national averages. Noteworthy was the increase in graduation requirements that happened at the same time as the improvement in graduation rates; demonstrating that graduation requirements and dropout rates are not connected, as some claim.

The district closely monitored student absences and intervened early when they spotted problems. Everett also made it easier to enroll in the fifith year of high school, embodying the "better late than never" adage. While the op-ed doesn't discuss it, one would imagine that students themselves gained confidence and self-esteem by achieving this important rite of passage. Let's hope that OSPI, www.k12.wa.us, and school districts statewide take note of Everett's progress and emulate its success.

Juxtaposed with the Everett story is an op-ed by Thomas Friedman that is also quite enlightening, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2012073512_friedman10.html. He extols the virtues of startups, particularly as the engine of job creation. He says some things that elected policymakers desperately need to hear and cater to, such as "Good jobs — in bulk — don't come from government. They come from risk-takers starting businesses..." and "You can't be for jobs and against business."

Friedman cites the work of the Kauffman Foundation, the leading non-profit devoted to entrepreneurship. The op-ed gives some excellent guidance to policymakers on immigration, tax and other public policies that would spur entrepreneurship and innovation -- something that is clearly needed in this era of over reliance on big government to bail out states, local governments, banks and automakers.

Are these two subjects related? Does increased educational attainment lead to more startup and entrepreneurial activity? One would have to do some in depth research to give a definitive answer but I suspect that there is some relationship between the two. It is already well documented that higher educational attainment is good both for individuals as well as society. Lower unemployment, higher salaries, better health, less use of social services are all linked directly to higher levels of education. This is why it is critical to improve high school graduation rates and push more young people into higher education. Part of the educational process should include some exposure to starting one's own business. Too often we simply push the notion of "getting a good job" when it is obvious that jobs are transitory and rarely lead to any real long-term prosperity for individuals.

Both of these issues are near and dear to WTIA's heart and our efforts in the public policy realm. We have pushed for higher graduation rates along with improved standards and requirements as well as tax and public policies that favor, or at least limit damage to, entrepreneurship and innovation. WTIA is also a strong proponent of increased funding for higher education, particularly in high impact four year degrees, such as engineering and technology related ones.

Our economy and future are dependent upon those willing to take risks and start new businesses. Let's make it a priority for our legislature to pass the right laws and budget that incentivize those activities.