access to knowledge
What the Education Index Reveals: Analysis by Geography, Race and Ethnicity, . Nativity, and Gender
Education is a wise investment for California’s economic growth. A globalized, knowledge-based economy demands nimble minds. The Great Recession . provided a reminder of how education serves as a buffer against macroeconomic shocks and a long-term source of resilience in the face of adversity: by the fourth quarter of 2009, the under- and unemployment rate of college graduates was . 10 percent while a full 35 percent of high school dropouts were either unemployed . or underemployed.4 But the human development approach reminds us of the value of education not only for better jobs and bigger paychecks. Access to knowledge is a critical determinant of good health, more stable relationships, and greater self-confidence and self-determination. Official government statistics in California, collected by educational attainment, demonstrate how more education accrues benefits in areas that lie well beyond individual financial stability and employment, ranging from individual success and neighborhood security to the flourishing of a vibrant democracy. If we were able to wave a magic wand and all adults in California today suddenly had at least a high school diploma, we would see:5 • Longer life expectancy. Life span would increase by an average of six months across the state. • Better health. 317,216 fewer adults would be obese.
Measuring Education on the American Human Development Index The American Human Development Index uses the most recent available data to measure school enrollment starting from age 3 plus educational degree attainment of all adults age 25 and older. This includes statistics that encompass children in nursery and preschool, school enrollment from kindergarten through twelfth grade, young adults who have completed four years of college, and those who subsequently attain a graduate or professional degree. These measures are then combined into an index on a scale of 0 to 10. All data come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. A one-third weight is applied to the school enrollment indicator, and a two-thirds weight is applied to the degree attainment indicator.
• Less crime. There would be 202 fewer murders and 51,081 fewer prisoners. • Generational transfer of knowledge. 3,774 more children of these adults would be reading proficiently in eighth grade. • Civic participation. 975,055 more people would vote in general elections. What follows is an analysis of access to knowledge for different groups in California and a discussion of the most critical actions necessary to close the enormous gaps between groups, by geographic area, race and ethnicity, gender, and nativity.
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