Editorial for Grand Rapids Press

Time for a Courageous, Grand Experiment-- Hong Kong Style?

Janel Curry

Michigan has lost its vision of itself. We can no longer depend on manufacturing, and the auto industry does not represent the future of the state. This is not so different than Hong Kong. At one time the former British colony had a strong sense of itself—as a British outpost in Asia and as a major manufacturing center. But circumstances have changed. At present, 93% of Hong Kong’s GDP is based on services. And just as in Michigan, China’s economic and manufacturing power looms large. In Hong Kong, the presence of this powerhouse is intensified by its geographic proximity but also because Hong Kong is no longer a British colony. Since 1997 it has been a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. All of these changes have meant that Hong Kong needs citizens who will be engaged in the creation of its new political identity, navigating the development of a civil society as a SAR of China, and an educational system that nurtures this citizenship as well as en educational systems that nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and creativity. Its future will depend on its people and to ensure it has citizens with these skills and abilities, it is attempting to build an educational system for the 21^st Century.

If you went by test scores, Hong Kong should not be concerned about its educational system.

But almost a decade ago, the Hong Kong government concluded that something was not right—they were not producing innovative and creative graduates, but rather good test-takers. So began the grand experiment. At great cost, higher education and the school systems that feed into it are moving from a system that reflects the colonial British heritage, favoring early specialization within a discipline and very few conversations across disciplines to a four year university system to be fully implemented with the beginning class of 2012. The move from a 3 to a 4 year model will provide a framework in which disciplinary study is grounded in broader knowledge that encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and an understanding of the role of individual in society. While the body that oversees higher education in Hong Kong has not micro-managed this transition, it has been clear that it is not going to accept “more of the same.” Its intent is to fundamentally change the educational system and not add more specialization up front. And it is not increasing the number of students who go to university. It is an attempt to create an indigenous educational system that develops the creativity, innovation, and citizenship skills needed to sustain Hong Kong in this century.

While Hong Kong takes courageous action, Michigan discussions and legislative actions continue to be small-minded, involving continual cutting around the edges of both K-12 and higher education. The legislature is attempting to balance the state’s budget by cutting the per student funding and benefits of K-12 teachers on the one hand, and on the other hand it has taken away the MEAP scholarships and other state aid for Michigan students to attend university in state. The impacts of these legislative actions include the narrowing of education curriculum and testing of both students and teachers at the loss of creativity and innovation, and the loss of the next generation. Rather than vision, the educational institutions of the state are left in continual crisis. The reality is that there is no incentive for Michigan students to now stay in-state for a university education. A recent study in West Michigan showed that colleges and universities are net importers of college graduates in this region of the state—more graduates stay in the metropolitan area than originated in the area. But now the incentives are changing. A brain drain is being encouraged by state funding.

It is time for ambitious and courageous vision and action. Michigan, with its changing economy, cannot afford to undermine the competitive strength of its educational system and fail to develop the creativity and innovative skills of its young people. These are the skills that will build the economic and social fabric of Michigan’s future. Hong Kong is absolutely clear about the value of education in positioning itself as a regional and global hub of innovation. Michigan needs to do the same or we will continue to lose further ground in both innovation but also in nurturing and sustaining the creative citizen-leadership needed to take us into this new future.