From Deseret News archives:
Some help on No Child Left Behind?
NCSL, in Salt Lake City this week for its annual meeting and exhibition, has a task force examining the law, best known for its strict testing and school accountability, and its effect on states. Task force hearings, like the one held here Monday, are scheduled in cities including New York and Santa Fe through December. A report and possible recommendations will follow.
That could give Utah, where lawmakers have debated opting out of No Child Left Behind, help in making the law work for Utah schools, associate state superintendent Ray Timothy said.
"I hope working with NCSL . . . would apply pressure necessary to keep the dialogue on flexibility open and continue to work toward (adjusting the) legislation so we can continue to meet students' needs."
But changes might have to be in regulations, rather than the law itself.
"We certainly try to listen to states," said Doug Mesecar, U.S. Department of Education deputy chief of staff. "(But Bush administration officials) currently do not support legislation that would propose amendments to this law."
The law has done some good, Mesecar said. In Connecticut, 93 percent of students with limited English skills about double that before No Child Left Behind are participating in tests. Some Kansas schools have more than doubled the number of students passing some tests. States can shuffle federal funds around to bring about other improvements.
"Results are beginning to show," Mesecar said. "I think that is impressive given this law is only 2 years old."
But Kansas Sen. John Vratil noted his schools' success followed a $9 million private grant and acclaimed reading program, not federal support, which many say is lacking.
Lawmakers from Eastern states worried about high-performing schools having enough room for transfer students. Some feared potential lawsuits from parents whose children were turned away. Others want to use federal funds for buildings in those cases.
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