No Child Left Behind…but Where Does that Leave Us?
The controversial No Child Left Behind Act has been around for five years now and is up for renewal. States have been charged with ensuring students’ math and reading proficiencies as measured by standardized tests; schools can be sanctioned for not meeting the goal.
Results are mixed. For instance, in Mississippi, 89% of fourth graders passed the state reading test in 2005. In Massachusetts, on the other hand, only 50% of fourth grade students passed. Seems like Mississippi is really onto something here…but then we look further…
Expectations vary greatly from state to state. Passing scores in one state are failing scores in another. Not only does this result in inconsistencies, but it seriously misrepresents achievement.
States set their own standards, so results vary wildly. It makes no sense to me, despite the obvious nod to “states’ rights.” The federal government imposes specific requirements on participants, but then it lets the states measure how well they’ve fulfilled the requirements. So what happens? I see a few scenarios, but I’m sure there are more:
• Some will just do their best to go along with what the federal government says.
• Some will be afraid of how negative outcomes will affect their states financially, so they will do whatever it takes to look good…including devising low expectations that are achievable and affordable.
• Some will not care what the federal government said because they’re already concerned with improving their educational systems. They will attack the problem in a way they think will solve it best, regardless of a timeline.
It’s conceivable, therefore, that states can be penalized for taking a thorough, thoughtful approach; others who have less substantial programs will be, if not rewarded, at least left alone. And, as often happens in education, the real losers will be students.
Be brave. Be human.
Susan
June 14th, 2007 03:30
at least what’s happening in USA is better than discrimination faced in Malaysia for the chinese. even if u had gotten a better grade than the ethnic malay race, doesn’t u are guaranteed a place in yr preferred choice of studies
June 15th, 2007 14:24
Hi Johnny-
Welcome to Brave Humans.
You do make a good point. As much as I can complain about the US, there are places with significantly greater troubles. It’s always interesting to hear what’s going on around the globe; I can definitely become too isolated at times.
I do think that with all the money and education available in the US we should be doing better.
Susan