Three quick and provocative reads on one of Michigan's most fundamental issues in the early 21st Century -- the need to grow, attract and retain a talented, globally competitive workforce...

1. New data shows Michigan suffers 252 high school dropouts every day. Check out the new "School To College Report" from EdWeek.

2. In a special Fresh Thoughts guest column called "There's No Monster Under the Bed," state schools Superintendent Mike Flanagan deplores growing efforts to water down new, tougher high school graduation standards he and many other statewide leaders worked hard to implement.

3. Iowa's zany labor market offers lessons for Michigan. In a national recession, tens of thousands of high-tech, new economy jobs are going begging in Iowa. Despite swift job growth in many industries, Iowa continues to lose fresh college graduates to other places. "If you don't have a place where young talent wants to live you are at a competitive disadvantage, no matter how strong your labor market," concludes Michigan talent guru Lou Glazer.