In January of 2002, President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act, which penalizes or rewards schools based on students’ performance on standardized tests. Nearly seven years later the questions surrounding this controversial legislation are as pressing as ever. Does No Child Left Behind make the grade?
By Dennis Van Roekel, a 23-year teaching veteran and longtime
activist and advocate for children and public education, Van Roekel is president
of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association. As NEA
President, he leads the nation's largest labor union and advocate for
quality public schools.
On November 4, voters went to the polls for change—our nation faces a lagging economy; access to health care still eludes 50 million Americans; and the war in Iraq drags on.
The 3.2 million members of NEA and their family members were concerned about all of these issues. And after observing the consequences of the so-called No Child Left Behind law for seven years, these voters had an extra motivation to make a difference by electing friends of public education at every level.
President-elect Barack Obama wants to fix No Child Left Behind – starting with the over-emphasis on high stakes testing. With a new president and a new Congress, we can begin to make the law workable and effective for students and educators.
Next Argument
1
3
0
1
0
Biweekly updates on new debates and experts
Please check your email to confirm your subscription.
© 2008 Opposing Views, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opposing Views, Inc. is not responsible for the content posted on this website. Please view full disclaimer under Terms
Expert Verified
