The Basics of "No Child Left Behind"

Blog #6
Suzanne C
Rigorous Researcher
Pages 167-204
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

This act passed in 2001 has received positive and negative feedback since it's passing.  In order to shed light on the requirements of the law I have included the "Four Pillars of No Child Left Behind" as defined by the United States Department of Education Website.

1.  Stronger Accountability for Results- "Under No Child Left Behind, states are working to close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency. Annual state and school district report cards inform parents and communities about state and school progress. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring or after-school assistance; take corrective actions; and, if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years, make dramatic changes to the way the school is run."

2.   More Freedom for States and Communities- "Under No Child Left Behind, states and school districts have unprecedented flexibility in how they use federal education funds."  Therefore districts can transfer up to 50% of their federal grant money to "need, such as hiring new teachers, increasing teacher pay, and improving teacher training and professional development."

3.  Proven Education Methods- "No Child Left Behind puts emphasis on determining which educational programs and practices have been proven effective through rigorous scientific research. Federal funding is targeted to support these programs and teaching methods that work to improve student learning and achievement."

4.  More Choices for Parents- "Parents of children in low-performing schools have new options under No Child Left Behind. In schools that do not meet state standards for at least two consecutive years, parents may transfer their children to a better-performing public school, including a public charter school, within their district. The district must provide transportation, using Title I funds if necessary. Students from low-income families in schools that fail to meet state standards for at least three years are eligible to receive supplemental educational services, including tutoring, after-school services, and summer school. Also, students who attend a persistently dangerous school or are the victim of a violent crime while in their school have the option to attend a safe school within their district."


United States Department of Education. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/overview/intro/4pillars.html