This column makes a lotta sense, Dave.

In my day K-12 teachers and administrators were determined to make sure EVERY student learned the basics of readin', writin' and rithmetic. Them what didna, despite strenuous teacher effort and tutoring by their classmates, were allowed to flunk and try again until they had the basics down. Seems like modern educators are content to teach the so-called "smart kids" and let the others glide along from grade to grade until they give up and drop out. Educators need to be better encouraged and rewarded when that bottom 20% learns the basics, IMNSHO.