But one thing that can be done from the top down is to create a new culture around public education.

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But top officials like state Education Commissioner John King and New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott say students can't wait to master the harder exams if they want to compete in the global economy.

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On top of this is the problem of convincing parents that new-fangled education methods are going to benefit their children.

ECONOMIST: China

And even austere New Labour has made a spending pledge, on top of its commitment to increase education's share of national income, in this campaign.

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He'll also talk about the fact that 60 percent of new jobs in the next 10 years will require higher education, further emphasizing why this is a top priority.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

The issue is the degree to which China has moved higher education to the top of its priorities, and the fact that 500, 000 new engineers a year will probably come up with more high-tech innovations than 150, 000 can.

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So, despite the state's genuine allurements, such as the beauty of its lakes, the renowned placidity of its people and its top-notch public-education system, it has yet to see a big influx of new, highly skilled workers.

ECONOMIST: Minnesota��s job market: Land of 1,000 opportunities | The