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It has become very important for educators and parents to motivate students to complete their college education and graduation. If the current trend continues, America is in trouble very soon. In order to prosper in global society, it is vital for state legislators to spring into action and takes constructive action on improving student attitude.

Just a few years back, American education was the best and students from all over the world clamoured to the universities here. Today, there are a host of other countries that are doing better and have a better functioning higher education system. The crisis in the American higher education sector has to be addressed on an urgent basis.

The skyrocketing fees have to be brought under control so that the financial aid programs and loan schemes can keep pace. It is the responsibility of state legislators to gear up and take initiatives to identify areas of weakness in the existing system and bring into effect a clear and comprehensive agenda. Goals must be strong and motivating and institutions must be accountable in every aspect.

According to NCSL commission’s co-chair Rob Kreibich, who is also a representative of Wisconsin, legislators must get down to action as they have the power to demand performance and also make institutions realize that higher education is a vital investment for the future of our nation and not a wheel balancing budgets.

Higher education is where the States spend maximum every year. Colleges and universities receive at least $70 billion funding and regulation. Federal Government pitches in by providing financial aid for students in the low income bracket and academic research.

NCSL’s co-chair Denise Merril who is a Connecticut representative says it is high time states take the initiative to instigate higher education reforms before Federal interference starts. The strengths, weaknesses and traditions of the educational system are unique to each state. It is the responsibility of States to revive and bring back to life a stagnant system by reframing positive and effective goals.

According to the NCSL commission consisting of six Democrats and six Republicans, which examined the problems and issues during a span of eighteen months, the four ways in which legislators have nurtured problems in the higher education system include not setting clear expectations and goals for the system, not funding higher education strategically, not exerting a strong command and leadership to resolve the issue and not considering higher education as a top legislative priority.

So, in order to bring the system back to its feet, legislators have to define clear goals keeping in mind the trend for the next thirty years, identify the strength and weakness of the education system in the state, hold institutions accountable for their actions and performance, restructure student aid and funding, encourage innovation, strategic partnership and productivity.

Restructuring higher education system in each and every state is the only way students can be motivated to continue and complete their graduation with enthusiasm and fervour. It is vital to reduce the percentage of drop outs and ensure a strong growth and a bright future for our nation.