Education In New State Budget, Help Wanted: ‘Soft Skills’ Please!

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Funding for both K12 and higher education will be a major issue in this year’s state budget cycle. We discuss what Governor Walker had to say about education in yesterday’s budget address. We also hear why employers are having trouble finding workers with “soft skills”, such as critical thinking and problem solving.

Featured in this Show

  • Governor Walker Calls For More Money, Reforms For Schools In Wisconsin

    On Wednesday, Governor Walker announced the state’s $76 billion budget for 2017-2019. In the budget, the state will allocate $11.5 billion for K-12 schools and the University of Wisconsin system will receive $100 million in additional funds. There are reforms that come with that budgeted money. Joining us to talk about the budget and the future of Wisconsin schools is Peter Goff and Nicholas Hillman of the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  • 'Soft Skills' In High Demand Among Employers

    Despite fears to the contrary, some job skills just cannot be automated or outsourced. Yet, employers find qualities like empathy, critical thinking – and simply getting on well with others – in short supply. A look at how employees can develop and market so-called “soft skills.”

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Marika Suval Producer
  • Peter Goff Guest
  • Nicholas Hillman Guest
  • Kate Davidson Guest