NCLB – No kid gets left behind like this joke

Public Law, 107-110 known as “No Child Left Behind,” states that the purpose is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a quality education. The theory behind this is that children must arrive, with minimal aptitude and challenging state academy.

Nationally, there is a significant gap between achievement test scores for children from low-income families, racial differences, children with disabilities and “normal” children.

Requires annual proficiency testing, a research-based reading program, highly qualified teachers, supplementary education services and general selection as well as parental involvement.

The idea behind this is that by the time a child is in third grade, they will all be able to read at grade level. All children are tested at grade level regardless of ability. So, if you have a child who is in the sixth grade but is reading at the second grade reading level, the child will not be able to pass a test at the sixth grade level. Not only are they state tested, but so must their coursework. These kids are set up to fail. This is where this law makes no sense and children are left behind. In addition, overall scores determine how much money each Title I school earns.

The other part of the law says that if a Title I school fails to meet adequate Annual Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years, you can transfer your child to another school in the area that meets the requirements. If the school fails to meet the three-year AYP, the school must provide supplementary education services, providing supplemental education services including tutoring, after-school programs, and summer programs. These services are free for parents, but the problem is when dealing with children with special needs who are years behind their grade level, there will be no amount of additional services to catch them up to their grade level. Not to mention, most children with special needs feel tired, exhausted, and overstimulated by the end of the day. They cannot keep extras. The idea behind it sounds good on paper but it simply doesn’t work. This method may work for some children but for children who are significantly behind they have no way to pass a state test or even a class.

I would love to have your comments on this. Do you think this law seems fair? Leave comments please.