Educational outlook in Utah is not so rosy

Utahns may choose to see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil . . . but we can't change the facts.

Mark Twain said: "Those who do not read are no better off than those who cannot read."

And those who won't hear the truth are no better off than those who cannot hear.

Those who won't speak the truth are no better off than those who are censored.

We tell ourselves that Utah has an abundant, well-educated work force. Not true. Utah ranks 32nd in college participation. We tell ourselves that Utah has a relatively high percentage of citizens with college education. Not true. About 27 percent of Utah adults have degrees, the same as the national average. We tell ourselves that Utah attracts high-paying industries to the state because our youngsters are trained in advanced technologies. Not true. Students in applied technology programs dropped 18 percent in two years.

At some point, those who vote and those who make legislative decisions must read, listen and speak the truth. Otherwise, our lies will come back to haunt us.

We pretend that everyone has access to higher education. Not true.

Minorities, lower middle-class youngsters, working parents and others have a tough time finding college-level opportunities. The racial participation gap in Utah is the widest in the nation. The Legislature forced tuition rates so high that only well-to-do students can afford it. Need-based financial aid in Utah is the lowest in the nation — only 6 percent of the national average.

And the demand for higher education is so high that Utah colleges and universities restrict admission to a select few. However, educating "B" students may be even more important than limiting admission to "A" students.

Some blame public education for not preparing students. Not true. Public education offers plenty of courses in mathematics, English and other college-preparatory disciplines. Most students also have access to advanced college placement courses.

The cause of our failure is cultural. Students simply do not take advantage of available opportunities.