NCLB Principles
As per my readings of the text and other readings involving the enacting of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) our government found through studies that not all states were doing enough for all students. In other words the local schools were not ensuring that all students were reaching standards to ensure that our children were making learning gains, this has been seen in reports showing a decrease in adequate yearly learning. Not all students had equal opportunities for success.
NCLB requires all states basically to “step up to the plate” and ensure that all groups of students make learning gains even those that have difficulties meeting standards, often due to economic disadvantage, linguistic differences, or disability status (Rosenberg, 2008 , p. 43).
The 5 components of the NCLB legislation is based on the following core principles: (1) strong accountability for results; (2) expanded flexibility and local control of schools; (3) an emphasis on teaching methods based on scientific research; (4) expanded options for parents, particularly those whose children attend low-performing schools; and (5) highly qualified teachers.
Strong Accountability for Results- it is important that all states develop minimum standards, or benchmark, that must be in place for all student and school. These standards or goals are used to assess all individual students and schools. These goals/standards are used to see if everyone is doing there “job” that the students are learning their academics, allowing their parents to know how their children(s) are working to meet the target goals. Looking at this from a school standpoint how each individual school is doing. Schools that meet their Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) will and do receive recognition. In my town they have banners that state “This is an A school”. There are other schools that do not meet AYP and are labeled needs improvement and the parents are informed of this and a plan that is in place to improve the stated school. I see all of this as positive and no negativity for this core principle.
Expanded Flexibility and Local Control - There is a greater amount of control given to the individual states at a local level, rather than from the federal government. This “power” given to the states as seen by the monies allocated. The federal government transfers up to 50% of the schools federal funds for local school districts to use the monies in ways they feel will assist in meeting standards and funding programs that will assist students in achieving AYP. Positive attributes can be seen and new programs can be implemented. This too is a positive way to assure positive learning through accountability, I do not have any negative feedback.
Teaching Methods Based on Scientific Research – There is no better way to support a method then to have studies that demonstrate that positive gains both by schools and students can be made if following a formula that has been deeded successful. As stated, far too often, educators adopt programs and teaching methods based on fads, bandwagons,