Great expectations

Regarding “What would the ‘father of Texas education’ think of us now? (Editorial),” (March 19): Almost every article about education ends up being about the lack of adequate funding. Yes, funding is important. But the biggest missing element, in my humble observation, is the lack of expectations.

One of the best phrases from former President George W. Bush was his take on under-achieving education. He called it the “soft bigotry of low expectations.” There are too many politicians such as Rep. Harold Dutton who live in the neighborhood and do not use any clout they have to help make changes to the neighborhood.

A neighborhood rally to spark change would help. Parental expectations, in my opinion, are the biggest impetus for good education.

I look at the care of the campus at Sharpstown High School. Millions of dollars went into building a beautiful facility and landscaping it. Apparently, it seems there is little concern about maintaining its appearance because the grass can sometimes be almost knee-high. The crosswalks have still not been re-painted.

Then I look at the perpetual care of the schools my grandchildren attend in the 77025 ZIP code. Same school system, different parental expectations. Quality maintenance is less expensive and does more for expectations than many believe.

One of the most cherished notes I have kept from my children is one from my son. He was one of those students who decided early on that all he needed was what he learned in kindergarten. He did only what he needed to get by.

His father would not let him even entertain the idea of not going to college or of dropping out. About two weeks after he graduated, we received a hand-written thank you note. He was grateful that our expectations were that he would be a college graduate. Cynthia Van Auken, Houston