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.
Comments
- T-Bird D fine without star player 12:32 a.m.
- Musicians leave audience in awe 12:23 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:06 a.m.
- LDS families let TLC into home, business 12:05 a.m.
- Kehl represents faith in different blue 12:05 a.m.
- Why music lessons matter 12:04 a.m.
- Editorial: Trying to catch the wind 12:04 a.m.
- Gov't-run health-care system 12:04 a.m.
- Emotional intelligence is key to success 12:04 a.m.
- Hottest toys, superheated shopping 12:04 a.m.
- MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
- Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons
- Wounded Utes limp home
- Jazz rookies had to grow up quickly
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full
- Barzee is expected to plead guilty
- Sloan misses practice
- Low in vit. D? Beware heart disease
- RSL surprised by Chicago's Fire
- Jazz notes: Young bigs ride bench
- TCU creams U.
233 - BYU happy to escape with victory
232 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
226 - Will state consider gay rights law?
162 - RSL heads to MLS title game
134 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
133 - MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
123 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
115 - 5A: Bingham rolls to title game
108 - Bennett at center of GOP storm
89
The Gateway, 400 W. 200 South, will kick off the holiday shopping season...
I was a bit under the weather last week, which gave me some time to...
I loved Firefly. Own it. Own Serenity. Great stuff. But the Joss Whedon...
These two yo-yo's should be billed for the expenses involved and they also...
THANKS TO OUR COACHES!
The whole idea that academic superiority even factoring into an athletic...
It's to bad that my age group, being 25 is so out of shape and have no...
what a game! the teams were both out to play and win, only one could....
I hope they have bodyguards, because the Taliban is not going to be very...
Re: High School Coach? Yes, but UNLV is no Notre Dame. Notre Dame came...
Um Dick.....while BYU will be rebuilding next year losing the entire below...
@G.S. 11:40 a.m.: "While the legislature is at it, be sure to stop all the...


You can be the first to comment on this story.