No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

I've heard it in the news, read about it in the newspapers, and have seen educators talk about it at A to Z Teacher Stuff. But, am not sure I fully understand it.

Can you all give me a better idea of it?

 

I can't even THINK about it without getting all hyper and upset. It's one of those things that looks good on paper but has absolutely no value in real life. It simply does not work. It's impossible. It is the stupidest of stupid government dictates. Oh, I'm sorry. Am I criticizing Bush's Baby here? Darn right.

 

I won't even step on my soapbox about this.

NOT a fan of it.

Lori

 

Don't get me started. As if the SPED field doesn't have enough issues with all the emergency certs being granted, let's throw "highly qualified" into that mix. GRRRRR.

Ellen

 

Probably the biggest impact and most controversial part of NCLB is the increased accountability on schools (and teachers) to have their students perform at a certain level of mastery on standardized tests. In TX, this means that my third graders must pass the TAKS reading assessment or repeat the grade. Again, it looks good on paper, but in reality we're dealing with humans, not "products" as the business people in charge like to refer to our students. And these humans we teach come with all kinds of different backgrounds, experiences, economics, cultures, etc. It's highly frustrating, and at times I feel completely helpless. But I continue to do what I know is best for my students in spite of these ridiculous regulations.

 

Thanks Amanda!

I actually heard that the definition of NCLB would vary depending on which educator I was asking. In other words, what it means for one may not mean quite the same for another. That each educator would see it in their own way as per how it affects them and their particular students.

But, at least I have a slightly better idea of what NCLB is thanks to your link Amanda and thanks to camcdade's post.

 

I think NCLB is handled/interpreted differently in nj than in texas. The kids don't automatically get left back if they don't pass the standardized tests, but if enough of the kids don't pass the standardized tests, the school is designated a school in need of improvement. This is a big deal. All the newspapers print which schools got this designation, and reprint, and rehash. The school must then fill out more paperwork explaining what they are going to do to fix it. They must spend a certain amount of title I funds on additional teacher training. If there is no improvement, or not enough improvement, the school will lose funding. The initial time frame for this is approaching in a year or so, so we'll see if these schools are actually fined or if they really do lose funding.

 

Bush's baby brother is governor of the state with the lowest high school graduation rate in the country. We leave them behind, or they leave us behind, nobody can really figure it out, it seems. It is a crazy mess.

 

I am pretty sure the State of NJ is going to be asking for more funding for the schools b/c of NCLB. Like Jane says it looks nice on paper but very unrealistic. It doesn't effect the politicans in Washington b/c they can afford to send their children to elite private schools.

 

Update: Obviously Every Student Succeeds Act is now set in place rather then NCLB.

There are a lot of pro's and con's make sure to read up on them.
-David DiCaprio

 

David, welcome to A to Z! I've seen some of your other posts, and I look forward to seeing more and to viewing your avatar.

When the last post in a thread was made as long ago as AMK's was, it's generally best not to revive it and instead to find fresher threads to which to respond. For that reason, I'm going to close this thread.