Friday, July 22, 2011

Adumbrating the Failure of No Child Left Behind




“I’m disappointed that House legislation passed today doesn’t fix the real problems with No Child Left Behind … and doesn’t give states the kind of flexibility and reform they’re asking for.”
- U.S. Department of Education Secretary, Arne Duncan July 13, 2011

"We're pleased to see some recent progress among all age groups in reading and among younger age groups in math. We're also pleased to see achievement gaps shrinking in reading, but we still have a lot more work to do. Our focus on raising standards, increasing academic rigor and improving teacher quality are all steps in the right direction."
- U.S. Department of Education Secretary, Arne Duncan April 28, 2009

"While flexibility is the watchword of NCLB those of us who must implement this important law have found that a lack of flexibility is causing us difficulty in ensuring we meet its promise."
- Then California Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell March 24, 2004

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan has come to a realization.  States need flexibility to create the reforms sought for in education.  That is quite a growth from federal government focus and control on raising standards and increasing academic rigor.  He has come to understand that No Child Left Behind has actually lowered standards, narrowed curriculum, and doesn’t work.  What could have caused such understanding?

11 Alive News July 21, 2011 – Elite Teach For America thrust into APS scandal






New York Times July 16, 2011 – Atlanta Schools Created Culture of Cheating, Fear

and Video


New York Times July 12, 2011 – Pa. Looking Into Possible Cheating on State Tests



The Atlanta Journal Constitution July 10, 2011 – Cheating scandal adds fuel to debate over high-stakes tests

The Commercial Appeal July 5, 2011– Tennessee Eyes Waiver For No Child Left Behind


Baltimore Sun June 25, 2011 – Cheating scandals put tests in the spotlight

USA Today  March 17, 2011 – When test scores seem too good to believe



Houston Chronicle December 15, 2006 – State discounts TAKS cheating

Amarillo Globe News December 2004 – Dallas paper finds evidence of TAKS cheating



Now if DOE Secretary Arne Duncan will only also see that Race To The Top is No Child Left Behind on steroids.  Or will he continue to push for the direct federal centralization of public education?

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