Overview and Highlights of NCLB
NCLB was signed into law January 8, 2002. It is the
latest revision of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education
Act (ESEA) and is regarded as the most significant federal
education policy initiative in a generation.
The overall purpose of the law is to ensure that each child
in America is able to meet the high learning standards of
the state where he or she lives. The specific goals
of the law, as spelled out in the Federal Register
issued on March 6, 2002, are:
- All students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining
proficiency or better in reading and mathematics by 2013-2014.
- By 2013-2014, all students will be proficient in reading
by the end of the third grade.
- All limited English proficient students will become proficient
in English.
- By 2005-2006, all students will be taught by highly qualified
teachers.
- All students will be educated in learning environments
that are safe, drug free and conducive to learning.
- All students will graduate from high school.
To help schools and districts meet these goals, the law provides
a blend of requirements, incentives and resources. The
requirements include:
- Annual testing of all students against state standards
in reading and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in science
at three times in a student’s school career (including once
in high school).
- “Verification” of each state’s assessment system via required
participation (every other year) by selected districts in
the NAEP test.
- Aggregate and disaggregate analysis and reporting of student
achievement results.
- A state definition and timeline for determining whether
a school, district and the state are making “adequate yearly
progress” (AYP) toward the goal of 100 percent of students
meeting state standards by the 2013-2014 school year.
- Technical assistance and then sanctions for schools, districts
and the state for failure to make AYP.
- Highly qualified teachers in core academic subjects by
2005-2006.
- Highly qualified aides or paraprofessionals.
- Support for students not meeting standards and/or for
those who have special needs (e.g., homeless, limited-English-proficiency).
- The use of “scientifically-based” programs and strategies.
NCLB will provide nearly $1 billion annually in additional
funding over the next five years to help states and districts
strengthen K-3 reading programs, before- and after-school
programs, charter schools, reading readiness for preschool
children, teacher professional development and education technology.
For more information go to the NCLB
Program Funding List. In addition, the law gives
local districts and the state some flexibility in combining
funds to meet identified priorities. State plans must
be completed by May 28, 2002, with input from external partners.
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