State Leaders Gauge Impact Of New ESEA, Voucher Ruling

By Joetta L. Sack

Los Angeles

There were as many questions as there were good vibrations at this year's Education Commission of the States national conference here.

Though it was rich with the usual camaraderie of state officials swapping experiences and ideas, the gathering of state education leaders July 10-12 was also marked by concerns over new federal accountability mandates and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision upholding vouchers in Cleveland.

Many officials reported a flurry of activity in their states as they prepare to meet the requirements of the federal "No Child Left Behind" Act of 2001. But many of the officials have only a vague understanding of the details of the new law and are...