Questions Linger Over NCLB Policy Shifts

States Uncertain About Impact of Federal Plans

Now that Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has promised states more flexibility under the No Child Left Behind Act, state officials are trying to unravel what that means.

Her April 7 announcement that there will be new rules on testing students with disabilities and adjustments to how states can measure overall student achievement was big news in state capitals, where rumbles of rebellion have been growing louder. ( "States to Get New Options on NCLB Law," April 13, 2005.)

In particular, state officials are seeking details regarding Ms. Spellings’ declaration that she’d be willing to consider a “growth” model to reward schools when students make significant progress, even if they don’t reach grade-level proficiency as currently required by the No...