NCLB: Act II
NCLB: Act II covered federal developments affecting education. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: federal.
Education
IG Recommends New Definitions of 'Persistently Dangerous'
The Washington Post is the latest to point out that states are hiding "persistently dangerous schools" by not reporting them as required under NCLB. My colleague, Erik Robelen, first noted this four years ago.
Education
Signs of NCLB's Success May Be Fickle
When the NAEP scores released this week showed that achievement inched up in big cities, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said in a statement that they showed that "NCLB is working." She said the same thing—word for word—when state-by-state results came out in September.
Education
Hawkins Leaves Legacy on Accountability
In the 20th Century, Congress was more likely to name a law after a couple of its members than a campaign slogan. In 1988, Congress passed and President Reagan signed the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary Schools Improvement Act.
Education
Education Week Roundup, Nov. 14
The legislative work to reauthorize NCLB has stalled in recent weeks. But the issues that the law has raised won't be going away, judging from the current issue of Education Week. In this week's paper, you'll find stories on improving low-performing schools and addressing the educational needs of children in poverty, as well as an essay on testing and accountability.
Education
Spellings Looks to Change Rules on Graduation Rate
Former White House aide Karl Rove suggested in August that the administration would use executive power to change NCLB if Congress failed to reauthorize the law. As prospects for an NCLB bill dimmed last week, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said that she wants to standardize graduation rates across states.
Education
Numbers Game: Ed Sector Says States Make AYP Easy
Several studies have documented how states have set low expectations to make it easier for their schools and districts to make AYP. The latest one is here. But Education Sector's Kevin Carey digs a little deeper in this report, explaining the statistical sleights of hand states use to avoid declaring their schools and districts in need of improvement. Here's a quick list based on Carey's research:
Education
Bush, Obey Diverge on NCLB Policy and Spending
The number of ironies in the NCLB debate never ceases to amaze me. The latest comes in the fight over education spending.
Education
Why You Should Take Richard Simmons Seriously
Kevin Carey at the Quick and the Ed is the latest blogger to fall under Richard Simmons' spell.
Education
White House, Miller Exchange Words Over Funding
The fight over funding has begun in earnest, and NCLB's fate is caught up in it.
Education
New Bill Offers Flexibility, Demands Rigor
Even though NCLB is stalled in the House and Senate, its supporters aren't giving up.
Education
Education Week Roundup, Nov. 7, 2007
The current issue of Education Week gives updates on NCLB's future in the short and long term. As a bonus, it offers four commentaries suggesting changes to the law.
Education
The Washington Post Nails Story on NCLB Horse Trading
Eduwonk has a long list of complaints about yesterday's Washington Post NCLB story. Eduwonk's criticisms are valid on policy grounds. But he glosses over that the story has two basic ingredients of excellent journalism.
Education
NCLB's Prospects in Senate Fade for 2007
Last week, a spokesman for the House Education and Labor Committee told me NCLB probably wouldn't clear the House in 2007.
Education
Teachers Continues NCLB Protest in Classroom
Madison, Wis., teacher David Wasserman, right, continued to protest NCLB's testing policies yesterday. Instead of proctoring a state test, he sat at his desk while colleagues handed out exams, read directions, and made sure students didn't cheat.