Give Governor Tim Pawlenty's education proposals a "B" for bold, and an "I" for incomplete. Hold on, some readers are saying - teachers traditionally give one grade. True, but the governor is proposing so many things that multiple grades are appropriate.

Let's start with the bold. In his proposals, the Governor recognizes several important things:

• More money can be part, but only part of the solution. So he is suggesting several million dollars to help rural districts paying far higher Internet connection fees than metro area districts. He recommended more money to help school districts collaborate on things like accounting and technology.
• Some of Minnesota's highest spending districts have certain schools with some of the state's lowest achievement. Don't they enroll a high percentage of low-income students, or youngsters who don't speak English? Yes. But all over the country, some schools enrolling such students do very well. Money is NOT the complete solution. Pawlenty wants the state to intervene in extremely unsuccessful schools and districts, to try things that are working elsewhere.
• The Governor recognizes that we need to work on student motivation, as well as with districts. As noted at his recent press conference, student athletes get lots of attention. Pawlenty wants more recognition for strong academic work. I'm not sure that his suggestion for a citation on a successful student's diploma produces enough. But Pawlenty started a vital discussion about honoring academic achievement.
• Pawlenty's favorite proposal is to pay some "super-teachers" up to $100,000. This idea needs work. But honoring and rewarding effective teachers is another idea that deserves more attention.
• Finally, give the governor credit for the honest, if politically unusual recognition that he does not have all the answers. He urged Democrats to make proposals. He probably won't propose spending as much as some prefer. But it is gutsy to say that the other party may have good ideas too.