NO Child Left Behind
Stephanie Parke528818012(435)750-0941stephlb@cc.usu.eduDear Editor, After reading the article “Bush is Destroying Education”, I feel that many people are uneducated about the NCLB Act. Because of the lack of knowledge people tend to discrimitate the act, istead 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 resaults. I’m sure many of us in our Early school years have had a teacher at some time that actually hindered our educationl 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 knowldege gained in the classroom. Second schools are only permited to use research based instruction. No longer are students used as lab rats to determine which method of edcuation is most effective. Third it offers flexiibility! The state now has more control over education issues. Infact, 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 that are attending private schools, especially becuae they are not held accountable for the resualts of the student. However the underlying factors of the NCLB Act is a necessary reformation towards equal education among all nominations in the U.S.(Knowledge 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 info. On NCLB see www.nclb.gov)