by Jane Mays-Evans

Created on: May 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2009

There have been numerous editorials written in favor and against the NCLB Policy. After reading these articles, I have to admit the policy is flawed, at best. A little background information about the policy is that it is officially called the No Child Left behind Act of 2001. It was signed by President George Bush in 2002. It includes a number of procedures and measures designed to drive gains in student achievement and hold schools more accountable for student progress. The policy includes procedures such as annual testing, academic progress, report cards, higher teacher expectations, putting reading first, and funding for changes. Although these ideas sound good, they are not working and the act is full of flaws.

First of all, the NCLB places too much pressure on teachers and administrators to have high test scores. Testing is not something that comes easy to most. In no way, shape, or form should schools require more rigorous testing to determine proficiency. In fact, testing is the worst way to do this. With all the standardized testing that students already have to engage in, the last thing they need is another test. Children would benefit more from teachers or administrators observing their daily routines than from testing. Teachers have to spend too much class time focusing on preparing students for these standardized tests which hold inadequate results. Art, music, gym, social studies, and other subjects are not even included on the tests. This just does not make any sense!

Second, the funding is not even fully available for this policy. President Bush NEVER sought full funding for this budget submitted to Congress. Without this funding, schools are unable to take the necessary steps to see this policy through. Finding teachers and administrators who are qualified to see this through would cost more money as well. The funding to do this is simply not there.

Finally, NCLB is taking the creativity of teaching and of knowledge out of the school systems. With standardized learning it is impossible for students or teachers to be creative and to specialize in areas they are truly interested in. Curriculum will have to be centered on what is on the test not what really needs to be known. Education is of top priority in the country and the NCLB act is not a good representation of American education. This policy is flawed, underfunded, and unacceptable. If Congress is going to keep this policy, changes must be made immediately or it will not be successful!

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