This past week I had the pleasure and honor of speaking to a number of state representatives who are deeply invested in the education of Ohio’s youth. In large part, I was asked to provide these legislators with an update on the research I have been conducting in schools throughout Ohio. My special emphasis has been on what many people call “non-academic barriers to learning,” which includes the impact that families, peers, and other social and emotional factors have on educational outcomes. I will mention two of the most important recent findings from my research efforts here.

First, these non-academic barriers to learning are the most important predictors of credit accumulation for high school-aged youth, and especially for those students who are at risk for dropping out of school. This is an extremely important finding because credit accumulation is a powerful predictor of whether or not a student passes their Ohio Graduation Tests (OGTs).

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Not since the last recession house the availability of money been so easily accessible and readily available. Depending upon your situation in which you need it for, the current stimulus package is geared to make America a better place through the injection of billions of dollars into our economy. One of the ways that Americans can benefit is by going back to school. Single moms are at the forefront of this movement courtesy of President Obama.

The United States is in a bit of turmoil at the moment. But employment rates are at all-time highs. People are going into foreclosure and filing bankruptcy in enormous amounts. There is a very gloomy outlook for our economy for the next few years. That is why it is time to look at potential options that you can choose to make your life better. One of these is to get a college education.

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Everybody knows about the lack of financing and shadow bank inventories. But one major issue nobody is talking about is the crime rate on vacant properties.

How many times you have heard a Realtor or investor say “My house on 123 Smith Way was broken into, they took all the copper, wire and air conditioners”. When you talk to the police they say sure, it’s a major problem and they know not all the crimes are being reported. When you do report it you’re told to just report it to your insurance company they will pay. Sure, after the deductible. Then they raise your premiums or cancel you altogether. Also, the area gets a bad rap and their premiums as a whole go up and everybody complains. If you talk to people who buy copper, wire and used A/C units they know the stuff is stolen and don’t care. The one person I spoke to thinks the stuff may be stolen, but isn’t really sure, and anyway that’s not his problem. OK, so the same guy coming to you with A/C units of all sizes and ages week after week and you’re not sure? Come on man cut the BS. His response: Insurance is paying for it so who cares?

Just think how many times a day this happens all over the country. When a guy in a pickup truck has the bed filled with copper tubing all ages and sizes, I’m willing to bet it’s stolen.

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