Here's a look at a broad range of variables, both education outputs, such as high school graduation rates and post secondary participation and completion rates, and community-based variables, such as economic indicators, projected tax revenues, social service costs (health care and welfare), and criminal justice costs.

Smart Investments in Minnesota's Students - Education investment drives prosperity, Growth & Justice.

• November 2007 - Investments in K-12 Education for Minnesota: What Works? - A cost-benefit analysis of selected K-12 education reforms, Growth & Justice Smart Investments Summit.
  
  
• January 2007 - Invest for Real Prosperity - Real Prosperity grows from a foundation of public investment in education, health care and smart infrastructure, including roads, transit and development density, Growth & Justice.
  
  

• February 2004 - Workforce First - A practical and affordable path toward a strong Minnesota economy and a decent standard of living for all, Growth & Justice.

Twin Cities Compass - Tracks topics that impact our quality of life, including civic engagement, early childhood, economy and workforce, education, health, housing, public safety and transportation; a project of the Itasca Project and Wilder Research.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts - Research shows schools under increasing accountability pressure drop programs not tied directly to the academic standards (current reading, math and science in Minnesota). The Arts Education Consortium of Minnesota was formed in 2004 to work for the continued availability of the arts for Minnesota’s children. The following research demonstrates the connection between the Arts and the economic vitality of our state:

• March 2007 - Artists Count: An Economic Impact Study of Artists in Minnesota - Measures the economic impact of individual artists in Minnesota. Statewide and regional results included.
  
  
• March 2006 - The Arts: A Driving Force in Minnesota's Economy - Provides detailed data on the economic impact of the arts and culture in Minnesota.

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July 2005 - 2005–2006 Opportunity Forecast Summary: Twin Cities Graded among 12 High Performance Comparison Regions (HPCR), The Great North Alliance (Executive Summary).

June 2003 - Business Cycles and Long-Term Growth: Lessons from Minnesota - What accounts for Minnesota's superior growth over the past 70 years? Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.