Consider this from "A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U. S. Higher Education", a report of the commission appointed by Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, dated September, 2006:
"At a time when we need to be increasing the quality of learning outcomes and the economic value of a college education, there are disturbing signs that suggest we are moving in the opposite direction. As a result, the continued ability of American postsecondary institutions to produce informed and skilled citizens who are able to lead and compete in the 21st-century global marketplace may soon be in question" (p. 29). ...and this
"American higher education has taken little advantage of important innovations that would increase institutional capacity, effectiveness and productivity. Government and institutional policies created during a different era are impeding the expansion of models designed to meet the nationâ(TM)s workforce needs. In addition, policymakers and educators need to do more to build Americaâ(TM)s capacity to compete and innovate by investing in critical skill sets and basic research" (p. 31).