What is No Child Left Behind?
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 (signed into law by President Bush in 2002) was the latest revision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was enacted in 1965 to provide guidance and funds to K-12 schools. The NCLB created controversy between the Administration (whose main goals were accountability, parental options, and local control) and education groups such as the National Education Association (NEA), which alleged that the Act focused too much on punishment and privatization in our schools.
What Are the Goals of NCLB?
The NCLB Act has many goals, broadly including:
- Targeting resources for early childhood education.
- Each state must measure each student's progress in reading and math each year during grades 3-8 and once during grades 10-12. Assessments in science will be under way by 2007-2008. These assessments must be aligned with state academic content and achievement standards.
- States and school districts must give parents report cards on schools and districts. Included in the report cards are student achievement data broken down into various categories, along with important information about the professional qualifications of teachers.
- Low-performing schools must use federal funds to make needed improvements. If the school continues to perform poorly, parents can transfer their children to higher-performing schools in the area or receive supplemental educational services in the community.
- Setting out minimum teacher qualifications.
- Providing more funding and flexibility in spending funds to school boards.
Changes are being made to NCLB currently, with different regulations passed by the Department of Education. It is too soon to know exactly how the final NCLB will look.
Should I Be Concerned about NCLB?
The goals of the NCLB are high standards and high expectations for every child. Many believe that NCLB is a step in the right direction. However, the NEA believes that the Act focuses too much on: - Punishment rather than assistance
- Mandates rather than support for effective programs
- Privatization rather than teacher-led, family-oriented solutions
Do I Need a Lawyer Experienced with these Issues?
A lawyer may be able to keep you alert as to the ongoing changes to No Child Left Behind. However, the Act is relatively new and new regulations are still being created. Keeping yourself aware of these changes is recommended. |
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