LETTER: NCLB is not understood

Editor,

After reading the editorial “Bush is Destroying Education,” I feel that many people are uneducated about the No Child Left Behind act. Because of the lack of knowledge people tend to discriminate the act, instead of trying to see the positive outcomes. I don’t necessarily think that the act is the solution to our education system, but at least it is a step towards equal and higher education for all.

The NCLB act has four main goals:

First, it expects schools to be accountable for the resources given to the student and the results. I’m sure many of us in our early school years have had a teacher at some time that actually hindered our educational experience instead of teaching. This act protects students from unqualified teachers.This is done by testing the students’ knowledge (end of the year tests) which makes the schools and teachers accountable for knowledge gained in the classroom.

Second, schools are only permitted to use research-based instruction. No longer are students used as lab rats to determine which method of education is most effective.

Third, it offers flexibility! The state now has more control over education issues. In fact, the state decides the curriculum in which the students are tested at the end of the year, not the Bush administration.

Last, it gives more options to parents. This is done by giving parents and students more choices for programs that can aid with a child that is struggling. Or, if the parent feels that the school is not performing academically then they have the right to switch schools. I do agree that vouchers should not be given to students and parents who are attending private schools, especially because they are not held accountable for the results of the student. However the underlying factors of the NCLB Act is a necessary reformation toward equal education among all nominations in the U.S.

This knowledge was based on: “No Child Left behind” written by Secretary of State Rod Paige and the U.S. Department of Education (2004). If you Would like more information on NCLB, see www.nclb.gov.

Stephanie Parke