It’s time for changes to ‘no child left behind’ law

By Bill Bjork, NEA-Alaska President
January NEA-AKtivist Jan 2007

This year is the fifth anniversary of the signing of the No Child Left Behind act. This means that Congress will be reauthorizing the law, known by its formal name as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The reauthorization gives us the opportunity to call for changes.

NEA has consistently expressed support for NCLB’s goals – raising student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and providing every child with a qualified teacher – that are perfectly in sync with our beliefs that great public schools are a basic right for every child. But our members are adamant that the law must be fundamentally improved and that the President and Congress must provide the needed funding if NCLB is to achieve its goals.

Let’s see what three Alaska teachers said about NCLB in the January 2007 publication of Voices from America’s Classrooms.

“NCLB’s unintended consequences are the lack of time and importance placed on physical education in our schools. Our country is witnessing an increase in childhood illnesses, such as juvenile diabetes and childhood obesity.” – Cindy Lou Aillaud, Delta Junction

“NCLB has set the minimum performance level necessary for students to pass the high school graduation exam but has failed to maintain high standards for all students.” – Robert Taylor, Anchorage

“Children are not machines, as NCLB seems to imply. We cannot program them to complete tasks how we want, when we want. They are individuals. They will progress at their own rate… Personally, NCLB has caused me to question my choice to teach.” – Heather Mildon, Anchorage

All children have a basic right to a great public school. Our criteria require not only the continued commitment of all educators, but the concerted efforts of policymakers at all levels of government. We believe these criteria will: prepare all students for the future with 21st century skills; create enthusiasm for learning and engage all students in the classroom; close achievement gaps and raise achievement for all students; ensure that all educators have the resources and tools they need to get the job done.

These criteria form the basis for NEA’s priorities in offering Congress a framework for making changes to NCLB. This process must involve all stakeholders, especially our members. Their knowledge and insights are critical to developing sound policies.