Tougher to get into an Ohio university

In about 10 years, students who didn't take enough college preparatory classes in high school won't be able to get into a state-supported college of university in Ohio unless they spend some time at a two-year college first. That's what happens when a state spends $30 million teaching people what they should have learned in high school.

Gov. Bob Taft signed into law on Wednesday new standards for Ohio high schools. They take effect with the kids who are in fifth grade now. When I was a country kid growing up, I had always heard college would be so tough. When I got there, I wondered how so many idiots were admitted. I didn't realize then that with the end of the draft, colleges were hurting for students and would take anyone. But that's why so many people I knew as freshment and sophomores weren't on campus when I got to my senior year.

Here in West Virginia, there was a case a few years ago when a high school valedictorian had to take some remedial classes when he got to college (I think it was Marshall) because his high school had not adequately prepared him for higher education.

There will be more on this in my Friday editorial, assuming the boss approves it.

I'm glad to see standards tightening. As I've said before, many times I have envied my kids for the educational opportunities they have.