The Power of Assuming All Need College; Multiplying Benefits of College for Everybody

Catching up on my Jay Mathews -- the best education reporter in the country in my opinion.  Here are two great articles that underscore the importance of a college curriculum (and college expectations) for ALL students.
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The Power of Assuming All Need College
By Jay Mathews
Washington Post Staff Writer
June 19, 2007

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/19/AR2007061900607.html

We are in the midst of a heated national debate over whether or not high schools should try to prepare all students for college. I say yes, but I acknowledge that the no side has a good argument: Since at least a third of high schoolers don't want to go to college, why not train them for the job market instead?

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Multiplying Benefits of College for Everybody

By Jay Mathews
Washington Post Staff Writer
May 29, 2007

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052900482_pf.html

Many intelligent people don't think going to college is so important. They send me emails whenever I vent about the need to prepare more low-income students for higher education. They ask a simple, excellent question: Why should college be for everybody?