The Good Economist 5
The result has been a self-fulfilling prophecy. When people are afraid of our schools and perceive them as places to be avoid at all cost, it furthers the divestment of critical resources and support that are needed to address the issues. “Stories of hopelessness are hopeless,” said Gym. “The best it can inspire is a charitable endeavor but not transformative change.” However, the solution does not lie in simply seeking out feel-good stories to balance negative perceptions. It calls for acknowledging present realities and laying the groundwork for sustainable progress. “Countering a negative story doesn't start with a positive story. It's about changing the negative parts of the negative story."
In the case of workforce development, building the foundation for sustainable progress begins with policy makers relinquishing views of young people as in need of reform and repair. This will take a shift from high-stakes testing and reviving interest in career technical education. Gym critiqued the current model as ineffective at producing desired outcomes: “Only 12 percent of young people are obtaining a bachelor degree within 10 years of high school graduation.” It further requires greater equity in educational funding. “A direct correlation exists between testing, life achievement, and money, and Pennsylvania is the worst state in the nation in the disparity in education funding.”
Along with government, the business community also has a critical role to play in orienting the trajectory towards professional development. Given their place at the forefront of the sustainable economy, the Councilwoman urged the entrepreneurs around the table to actively engage in education and training: “The business demographics are rapidly diversifying. You are going to have to train your own employees.” She believes business leaders must promote education as a major business driver: “You can’t have people leaving the city when their children reach school age.”
Even with an intense focus on tackling a host of sizeable issues, Gym has aimed to take the transition from long-term outsider to public leadership in stride: “Juggling [the responsibilities of] family has been the largest change. But I haven’t missed any birthdays.”
The Entrepreneurs' Roundtable reconvenes on Wednesday, October 19 with Commerce Director, Harold Epps, for a discussion on
A Vision for Philadelphia Commerce in 2020.