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What is it?
The No Child Left Behind Act was the first of its kind to have the Federal Government play such a vital role in the area of
Education. The education policy was signed into law on January 8, 2002. It was an educational reform law that became the
latest revision to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). It is considered by to be on of the most
significant initiative on educational policy of its time. Signed by George W. Bush, its goal is to identify poorly performing
public schools by requiring annual tests taken by the students in grades three through eight in the areas of reading and math.
Schools that fail to show annual progress must allow students to transfer to better-performing public schools. If no real
progress is still shown, schools must offer additional services, i.e. private tutoring. The next step schools showing no
real progress must take is to take corrective actions, such as changing the curriculum, replacing certain teachers, or risk
being restructured , or eventually being taken over by the state.
The philosophy of the law is to ensure that each child in the U.S. has the ability to meet the high learning standards
of their state. According to the Illinois Depart of Education, The act overall purpose is to ensure that children in every
classroom enjoy the benefits of well-prepared teachers, research based curriculum and safe learning environments. Over the
next five years, over $1 billion dollars will be spent to help strengthen public schools
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the specific goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, as stated in the
Federal Register on March 6, 2002 are:
1. All students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading and mathematics by
2013-2014.
2. By 2013-2014, all students will be proficient in reading by the end of the third grade.
3. All limited English proficient students will become proficient in English.
4. By 2005-2006, all students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.
5. All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free and conducive to learning.
6. All students will graduate from high school.
To help schools and districts meet these goals, the law provides a blend of requirements, incentives and resources. The
requirements include:
1. Annual testing of all students against state standards in reading and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in science at three
times in a students school career (including once in high school).
2. Verification of each states assessment system via required participation (every other year) by selected districts in
the NAEP test.
3. Aggregate and disaggregate analysis and reporting of student achievement results.
4. A state definition and timeline for determining whether a school, district and the state are making adequate yearly
progress (AYP) toward the goal of 100 percent of students meeting state standards by the 2013-2014 school year.
5. Technical assistance and then sanctions for schools, districts and the state for failure to make AYP.
6. Highly qualified teachers in core academic subjects by 2005-2006.
7. Highly qualified aides or paraprofessionals.
8. Support for students not meeting standards and/or for those who have special needs (e.g., homeless, limited-English-proficiency).
9. The use of scientifically-based programs and strategies. (http://www.isbe.il.us/nclb/htmls/highlights.htm)
There are four pillars as the basis of the NCLB as stated by the U.S. Department of Education, stronger accountability
for results, proven educational methods, more freedom for states and communities, and more choices for parents. Because of
the annual state and school district report cards, the progress of the school is open for anyone to see. As far as the states
are concerned, they have flexibility as to how they use the federal funding. By using scientifically researched programs,
the levels of student achievements will rise. And finally with the NCLB, parents have to option, if their school is not meeting
state requirements, to transfer their students to better performing schools in their district with transportation being provided.
Even though this law passed with overwhelming support from both sides of Congress, there has been substantial controversy
over the NCLB. Some critics argue that there is not enough federal funding to accomplish the goals set by the federal government
and that the federal government has taken almost all the control over from local control. Others feel that under the strict
laws, some school may be wrongly labeled as failing even though progress sis being made.
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