The Jan. 22 Day had letters "Too much negative in Day and elsewhere" and "Conn. should meet educational commitment." These writers are encouraged to turn a page back to "U.S. high school grad rate highest since '76," which is good educational news anyway you look at it.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan's poignant advice about dropping out of high school: "how many good jobs are out there for you? None," reminds us how much the world has changed. World War II destroyed Europe and much of Asia and the ensuing continent rebuilding created opportunities for almost all Americans. A couple generations later, it sure is competitive in this survival of the fittest world, but glad to see the trend is to rise to the challenge, which only makes America more competitive.