There’s nothing like a wounded economy and tight job market to motivate students to achieve. All those notions about not needing math in "real life" and never having to write an essay in the "real world" fall by the wayside awfully fast. Older students who’ve already experienced the working world find themselves trading paychecks and keycards for campus maps and backpacks. Local colleges find themselves meeting the needs of a more diverse population than ever before.

It isn’t a surprise that our culture and economy change over time and that we need to be ready to respond within our higher education system. But it’s disappointing to learn that so many young students aren’t leaving high school with a basic grasp of math and English. Almost half the students coming into the community college system in Washington aren’t entirely prepared for college-level work. They need at least one pre-college course in math, English or reading.

Community colleges shouldn’t have to serve as mini-high schools for students who slipped by for four years and wound up with a diploma at the end.

Progress must continue at the K-12 level to address this — especially with the pending requirements to prove mastery of basic subjects before graduating. Not only must K-12 schools prepare students through their regular course work to master the material, but they must be in a position to help struggling students before it’s too late. Regional business leaders realize just how critical the situation is and they’re pushing educators and legislators to pay more attention to getting students prepared for college.

It’s clear to employers, their workers and students: more is expected of people entering the workforce these days. As one Everett Community College official put it, "Getting by just doesn’t make it anymore."