The Institute For Tomorrow's Workforce (making bold recommendations to improve Iowa's education system)






	Addressing Iowa’s Greatest Imperative: ITW believes Iowa’s greatest imperative is that all learners are prepared for the 21st century. This means a postsecondary credential – diploma, college degree, license or certificate of employability – for all learners. Without this, Iowa students are unequipped for the global marketplace. ITW is urging Iowa legislators to act now to prepare Iowa students to compete in the 21st century global economy. Currently, our schools focus on the basics – which, in a competitive national and global climate aren’t enough. In just three to five years, Iowa and the nation face a critical workforce shortage. Iowa will need to fill 200,000 more jobs than we have qualified workers. We must act now to confront this emerging talent crisis by tackling tough issues. With your help, state leaders can turn the vision of 21st century learning into reality. We encourage them to: Raise expectations and provide quality learning for all Iowa’s students so they can compete in the 21st century economy. Set standards for our schools to help them improve. Match teacher salaries with professional responsibilities. To regain Iowa’s reputation for educational excellence, we must start now. Call your legislator today… Iowa’s future depends upon it. House: 515-281-3221 Senate: 515-281-3371 For your legislator’s contact information visit: Iowa General Assembly List of Legislators Don’t know your legislator? Find Your Legislator Here Read ITW’s Recommendations ITW Annual Report 2007 ITW in the News "Changes in laws are crucial to growth, group says" Des Moines Register Editorial on December 7, 2007 "Small gains on exam, but that's not enough" Des Moines Register Editorial on September 26, 2007 "Poor college readiness a wake-up call" Des Moines Register Editorial on August 26, 2007 "Keep up pressure to improve learning" Des Moines Register Editorial on May 31, 2007 "Set bar higher on education standards" Des Moines Register Editorial on April 11, 2007 "Assure appropriate pay for all Iowa teachers" Des Moines Register Editorial on March 28, 2007 "Forget teacher raise without career ladder" Des Moines Register Editorial on Feb. 15, 2007 "Adopt Blueprint for Stronger Schools" Des Moines Register Editorial on Jan. 6, 2007 The Institute for Tomorrow’s Workforce provides a long-term forum for bold, innovative recommendations to improve Iowa’s education system to meet the workforce needs of Iowa’s new economy. The Iowa legislature created the Institute for Tomorrow’s Workforce (ITW) in 2005 to develop recommendations for improving educational opportunities for all Iowa’s learners for 21st Century success.