# data[].attributes.body
What I think I know about higher education in America
I understand that Higher Education in America has evolved to fit the needs of the country over the years. Higher Education has not always been inclusive.  However, each community has developed a higher education institution to meet its needs.
1-20-18 -Addendum:  Chapter #1 was a great introduction to the history of higher education.  As I initially indicated prior to reading the chapter, Higher Education evolved out to the needs of the colony in each community.  For example, the land owner class in the south required an education for its new and emerging families that was different than the focus of the needs of northern merchant families.

What I'd like to know about higher education in America:
I would like to know more about managing enrollment and improving retention.  I also want to explore if higher education is relevant for this generation.
1-20-18 Addendum: I would also like to know more about the integration of women and minorities into higher education.

What is the purpose of higher education in America?Higher Education provides an opportunity for citizens to expand their knowledge, interact and build relationships with people outside of their community, and gain skills to improve the workforce. Higher education was established to educate men, providing them with knowledge and skills to excel in society as leaders.
1-20-18 Addendum - In the early history of higher education, the student body was small and most were white men. However, some colleges in the colonies focused on the moral and religious state of the Native Americans. Early colleges were not just places of education but they also represented the strong religious connection of devoted followers. The goal was provide a formal education of men leading the church. I was interested to learn that many of the colleges did not have completion as an end goal. As outlined in this chapter, many students spent a few years at college and moved on. Lawyers and other highly skilled jobs were taught through apprenticeships.  College was more of a social, moral and religious education to prepare boys to become men, assuming roles of leadership passed on to them by their fathers.  Practical job skills were not taught in college.

# data[].attributes.body
What I think I know about higher education in America:
I think higher education in America continues to evolve as generations change and the use of technology increases.  It is multi-faceted and means something different to just about every person you ask. To some, education is a privilege; for others it is a right of passage. Then there are those who consider it a burden or obstacle to be overcome; a stepping stone leading to a greater prize.  I think education in America was once viewed as an altruistic endeavor, helping better the lives of those given the privilege to attend, but in many cases this aspect has become a side effect and not the purpose.

I also know that the number of American HS students continues to decrease, which prompts many colleges to expand their reach internationally and increase their adult student population or succumb to lower enrollments and possibly close their doors.

What I’d like to know about higher education in America:

I believe higher education in America is at the cusp of another transformation. Therefore, I’d like to know more about past transformations within education and their catalyst.  What caused the changes, how were they implemented and how they were sustained.  To implement any change, especially one that is transformational requires a deeper understanding of the developed and accepted culture, values and purpose that existed and fostered the need for change.  Through this understanding, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of where we were (in education), and use that information to project and plan for where we are going.

What is the purpose of higher education in America?

As previously mentioned, I think the purpose of higher education varies depending on who you ask.  My personal belief is that higher education has the potential to form the infrastructure of who we are as individuals, thinkers and community members.  While it should prepare students for future careers, it also needs to serve as precursor to life beyond the gates of the college campus.  This is an aspect that I believe can, at times, be overlooked and regarded as unimportant.

# data[].attributes.headline
What I think I know about higher education in America:

# data[].attributes.subject
What I think I know about higher education in America:

# data[].attributes.headline
What I'd like to know about higher education in America:

# data[].attributes.subject
What I'd like to know about higher education in America:

# data[].attributes.headline
What is the purpose of higher education in America?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is the purpose of higher education in America?

# data[].attributes.body
What I think I know: I believe higher education institutions were first started and primarily used to teach religious study.  I also believe that higher education positively impacted the American economy becoming it's own type of industry in some sense.

What I'd like to know: I would like to gain some insight to the history and background of higher education. As well as learn about the underlying issues higher education has been facing and continues to face till present day.

Purpose of higher education: I believe the primary purpose of higher education is to expand  student knowledge, and cultivate student minds in preparation for fieldwork of choice or profession.

# data[].attributes.body
What I think I know: I think for a long time higher education separated classes in America. Those with great resources had more opportunities than others, socially,economically etc.. As more Americans gained access to higher education, these opportunities were spread across all groups.

What I'd like to know: How do we continue to make opportunities available to the average American family and those with less resources?

Purpose of Higher Education: It allows students to explore different fields of study to expand their knowledge and to mature.

# data[].attributes.body
What I think I know: I think at a time when it could be the great equalizer higher ed is becoming a factory. Financial burdens are outweighing the benefits of the receiving the a degree.

What I'd like to know: I would like to know more about the connection between the founding principles and its current mission.

The purpose of higher ed: It should be a means of preparing students for the job market. Further, it allows for an exploration of unique fields of study to broaden students minds and interests.