Most Agree NCLB Isn't Working, But Divided On How To Address It

The AP (9/18) reported "a decade after its passage, most educators and politicians agree that No Child Left Behind...isn't working." With no immediate legislative solution to NCLB in sight, Education Secretary Arne Duncan "said he would waive the proficiency requirements for states that are working to improve their schools and have adopted their own testing and accountability programs." The Administration also wants to "provide competitive grants" for STEM education. Experts agree that change is needed, but disagree on the specifics. Donna Harris-Aikens, director of education policy and practice for the National Education Association, "remains hopeful that Congress will reauthorize the law but with some changes." And Diane Ravitch, a former assistant secretary of education, "said that instead of punishing schools for poor performance with sanctions, testing should be used to identify those that need additional support."