For school children, the tests required by federal law remain controversial.
That law is called No Child Left Behind. And one reason for the controversy is variation among states as they follow the law’s mandates. John Yinger specializes in education and public policy at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. He explains:
“States are allowed to pick their test and avoid sanctions and make their test easier.” (John Yinger, public policy specialist, Syracuse University)
No Child Left Behind became law in 2001, as a top priority of the Bush administration. The main goal is to help low income, minority, special education, and English-as-second- language students. It made states set standards for their school children to pass. These tests were to help level the playing field of education for children.
Three main concerns of the No Child Left Behind act are the lack of funding, teaching to the test, and what is next for the act.
The Bush administration has not provided funding for No Child Left Behind. Because of the lack of funding, critics say the states some states have low standards.
Yinger of Syracuse University says that this is a double-whammy for poor school districts.
“States are main source of funding and federal law doesn’t require states to help poor districts.” (Professor John Yinger of Syracuse University)
Teaching to the test draws sharp criticism from many educators. Yinger explains why teachers object to teaching to the test.
“It’s a poor way to teach a test because you just teach certain things that students regurgitate on a test.” (Professor John Yinger)
For the future, the No Child Left Behind act faces some changes when the new administration of Barack Obama takes office.
Yinger says that the new administration will have to work with the states better.
“They need to integrate better with what states are already doing, and give more aid to those who have more stringent tests.” (Professor John Yinger)
Bob Gardino is a retired Syracuse teacher and the president of the Syracuse Parents for Public Schools. He is hopeful the new administration will address the under-funded mandates, with more money for kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Federal funding is less than 2 percent for K through 12.” (Bob Gardino)
Gardino says that teaching to the test will take away other programs for school children.
“It will stifle other kinds of education — arts, music and the more creative side.” (Bob Gardino)
Schools that don’t meet the requirement may receive penalties and cuts from their budget. That would make it harder for schools to comply with the testing system. Gardino says that doesn’t help the children.
“The kids are stigmatized and schools are too. Those are the places that need the resources.” (Bob Gardino)
President-elect Barack Obama has plans to change No Child Left Behind. His plan is to put less emphasis on the tests. The details of what he means by that are not clear yet. He wants to invest in early childhood education. Bob Gardino sees that as a way to try and close the gaps before children get into school.
“Invest in early childhood education will help by the time the children are 5,” (Bob Gardino)
Obama has said he wants to change the accountability system so that schools that need improvement are supported instead of punished. Gardino explains:
“The resources should go to the schools that need the help, instead of taking it away from them.” (Bob Gardino)
For Democracywise, I’m Jeremy Lamb.
(Jeremy Lamb is broadcast journalism graduate student.)
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