Expectations

Karen Francisco, The Journal Gazette's editorial writer who specializes in education issues, notes with approval Gov. Daniels' daylong academy for the trustees of Indiana's public colleges and universities. One thing bothers her, though:

But I'm troubled by the single quote the governor's office chose to highlight in a news release: "We want to see an Indiana where there is a place for every student, but not every student can go every place."

Daniels clearly is channeling Charles Murray, co-author of "The Bell Curve" here. He frequently cites Murray as a writer who shapes his economic philosophy.

I can't help but think, however, that Daniels' view of "a place for every student" directly contradicts President George W. Bush's very worthy contribution to the public dialogue: "the soft bigotry of low expectations."

Francisco thinks suggesting there are places where some Indiana students can't go "slams the door on the opportunity and promise" for many Hoosier students. But it seems like common sense to me. I agree with her that "the soft bigotry of low expectations" was a worthy sentiment, but another Bush education saying -- "no child left behind" -- was a ridiculous overpromise, especially when cemented into federally funded legislation. Some children will be left behind, no matter what officials do about it, either because they aren't capable or don't try. "No child denied an opportuntiy to reach the child's potential" would be a better sentiment.

Life sorts us; accept it. Not every student is capable of graduating from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Some will be better suited for a two-year Ivy Tech degree or a trade school or no post-secondary education at all or, even lower on the scale of things, a journalism degree from Ball State. That doesn't mean we have to slap "kick me, I'm a dummy" signs on the backs of the not-quite-elites. And it doesn't mean we have to stop having high expectations for all st