Gov. Heineman Asks Nebraska High School Students
to ‘Rate Their Future’
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman proclaimed May 16-20 as “Rate Your Future Week” in Nebraska. The proclamation is part of a nationwide effort aimed at raising awareness of a Web site survey seeking input from high school students on improving the high school experience.
The Governor urged Nebraska teens ages 16 and older to log on to www.rateyourfuture.org where high school students now have a say in how political and educational leaders will ensure that they graduate better prepared for college and high-skilled jobs. Survey results will be shared in July at the National Governors Association meeting in Des Moines, Iowa.
“The American high school experience deserves a closer look in this new century,” Gov. Heineman said. “The ways in which we educate high school students have not undergone a thorough re-examination in more than a century. Our students deserve the best education we can provide, and they deserve high-quality, high-paying jobs in Nebraska upon completing their education.
“This proclamation acknowledges the importance of high school education in a productive life. It also acknowledges that here in Nebraska our educational system works well. However, in order to stay competitive in today’s global economy, there is always room for improvement. My hope is that the ‘Rate Your Future’ survey will help us to better understand what students are learning in high school and to gage their level of preparedness for life after graduation.”
The Internet survey is part of the National Governors Association’s drive to overhaul America’s high schools. “Rate Your Future Week” builds on the Governor’s continuing efforts to improve education. In February, Gov. Heineman announced three areas of emphasis he hopes to address. The first focuses on academic rigor, with the goal of raising the standard of academic excellence, particularly in math and science. National research suggests these areas are key predictors of student success in college or the workplace. The second area focuses on parental involvement, and the third focuses on building partnerships between K-12 education and institutions of higher learning.
“This is a rare opportunity to hear from students what they like and dislike about their educational experience, what they might want and what they think they can do without,” Gov. Heineman said. “This survey allows us the opportunity to involve student voices in the conversation about re-designing high school education.”
