What's next for No Child Left Behind?

Examining the effectiveness of the federal mandate

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) comes up for renewal next year. Educators voice growing concern over the federal law's impact and the rising number of schools facing sanctions.

More than 23,000 schools, a quarter of all public schools, failed to meet their NCLB test targets this year. Growing numbers will face the now-familiar NCLB sanctions of student transfers and supplemental tutoring. Many schools also face penalties of "restructuring." That means state or private takeover, or other major reorganization.

Critics of NCLB cite lack of funding to meet mandates, vagueness in the 1100-page legislation and questions as to whether the law has actually fostered improved student achievement.

All 50 states have introduced legislation rejecting all or part of NCLB. Several have filed lawsuits against it.

More than 10,000 schools have been put on NCLB's infamous list of "schools in need of improvement" and face sanctions that address neither their needs nor their challenges. Thousands more will be added to the list in the next few years as increasing numbers of schools fail to reach "adequate yearly progress" (AYP) test targets. This year more than a quarter of all public schools (nearly 23,000) failed to reach AYP. Missing AYP two years in a row guarantees a school a spot on the "needs improvement" list.

As NCLB comes up for reauthorization in 2007, debate is heating up about whether we can apply instant fixes to the law or just bury it altogether.

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NCLB background

In 2002, President Bush signed into law the most sweeping educational reform law since the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was first enacted in 1965. Authors of the legislation say it is designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools.

NCLB passed with bipartisan support. The statute addresses four principles of education reform:

- stronger accountability for results
- increased flexibility and local control
- expanded options for parents
- emphasis on teaching methods that are proven to work

There are five nationwide goals for all children:

- proficiency in reading and math by the 2013-2014 school year
- English proficiency for limited English proficient students
- qualified teachers in every classroom by 2005-2006
- safe and drug-free learning environments
- high school graduation for all students

Resources: 
http://www.ed.gov/nclb   U. S. Department of Education
http://www.nea.org  National Education Association