It appears, however, that the politics of higher education again threaten the idea of a coordinated system that allows for differences among schools and gives incentives for better quality while discouraging duplication of mediocre programs. Previous efforts to create such a coordinated system using ideas like the role and mission of each school, centers of excellence and control over duplicating programs by the council have never produced the efficiency and quality that Kentuckians deserve. Kentucky continues to have separate institutions with strong-willed alumni, presidents and supporting legislators, who want universities to be all things to all people rather than distinguish themselves by emphasizing what they do best. Proof is the fact that 531 of the 1,120 academic programs at Kentucky's colleges and universities have few graduates each year. Kentucky desperately needs to catch up with much of the rest of the country.
New businesses seek locations where qualified employees are available.
Yet, Kentucky has a leaky, inefficient education system. This leakiness reduces the quality of life for all Kentuckians and wastes time, energy and money. Not surprisingly, Kentucky ranks 42nd among the states in the percentage of adults with a bachelor's degree, and 46th in percentage of adults with high school diplomas. Four out of 10 working adults in this state can read little, if at all. Many students who do enroll in college require remedial education.