Stop Lowering the Bar: Why Students Rise When We Expect More
A recent essay in The Atlantic (“Stop Meeting Students Where They Are” by Walt Hunter, 2/2/26), argues that educators should stop “meeting students where they are” and instead invite them to grow into challenge, particularly through sustained reading, difficult thinking, and meaningful writing.
As a parent of a high-school junior and an eighth grader, and as someone who teaches college students every day, I felt this argument deeply. Personally. Because I am watching this shift happen in real time.
Neither of my children has written a substantial, age-appropriate research paper in school yet.
My 17-year-old did not read a full book until sophomore year.
My eighth grader spent a semester listening to a book rather than reading one.
Even now, in AP English, my older child read several books, but did very little sustained writing.
At the college level, I see the same pattern in a different form:
- Students want PowerPoint slides and study guides rather than engaging deeply with material.
- Many rely on memorization instead of analysis or critical thinking.
- Some arrive to class with no notebook, no laptop, not even a pen—just watching, waiting, passive.
- Assigned readings are increasingly summarized by AI rather than wrestled with directly.
It’s undeniable – AI is impacting traditional reading comprehension and writing skills.
The Atlantic essay describes a similar erosion of sustained attention and reading endurance among students, noting that whole books are assigned less frequently and that many students now arrive at college unprepared to read them. From where I sit, this is not a theory. It is daily reality.
The Good Intentions Behind Lowered Expectations
No teacher lowers expectations because they do not care.
They do it because:
- Administrators demand higher test scores – teach to the test.
- Parents fear failure for their children.
- Systems reward short-term performance over deep learning.
- Teachers are already carrying too much.
So, the bar slowly drops—often in the name of compassion.
But something important gets lost when expectations fall: students’ belief in what they are capable of becoming.
When students succeed at something challenging, confidence follows them into every other class, every interview, every risk they take in life.
Here is what I know from years of teaching, mentoring, and parenting:
When students are pushed—with support—they rise.
When expectations are clear and meaningful, they work harder.
When work is difficult but purposeful, they feel pride.
When they succeed at something challenging, confidence follows them into every other class, every interview, every risk they take in life.
The Atlantic essay ultimately reaches a similar conclusion: instead of simplifying learning to match declining skills, educators must help students “grow into the difficulty” of reading and thinking.
I would go one step further:
Students do not just grow into difficulty.
They grow into the expectations adults hold for them.
So, what is the most effective strategy for supporting underprepared college freshmen?
Mentorship Changes the Story
This is where mentorship becomes essential.
Teachers alone cannot carry:
- academic instruction
- emotional support
- administrative pressure
- family expectations
- systemic inequalities
Mentors expand the circle of belief around a young person.
A mentor can say:
- "You are capable of more."
- "Working hard matters."
- "Struggle is part of growth, not proof of failure."
- "Your future is bigger than your current performance."
And sometimes, hearing that from one trusted adult outside the classroom changes everything.
Young people today are intelligent, creative, and capable. But capability only becomes achievement when someone expects it.
Raising the Bar Is an Act of Hope
Holding high expectations is not about nostalgia for the past or criticism of young people.
It is about faith in their future.
Young people today are intelligent, creative, and capable. But capability only becomes achievement when someone expects it.
At Keystone Network, we believe:
- Students deserve challenge and support.
- Effort is not punishment—it is preparation.
- Mentorship is the bridge between potential and confidence.
- Raising expectations is one of the most hopeful things adults can do.
Because when we stop lowering the bar…
students don’t fall.
They rise.
As a mentor, your honest feedback, encouragement, and experience can help a young person to not only succeed in school, but achieve greater prosperity and satisfaction throughout life.
If you’re interested in mentoring a student in our network, we would love to hear from you. Learn more about mentorship and other ways to support our work.
