Is NCLB all that it's cracked up to be?

Millions of disadvantaged children are now getting the attention and focus that they deserve due to the No Child Left Behind act passed in 2001. The advantages of this act signed into law, is that each child, regardless of gender, race, family income, or disabilities are given the educational consideration that all students should be provided. Along with the student aspect, the overall quality of education has been increased due to school districts improving their performance. State standards have been implemented and NCLB aims to show achievement towards these goals through federally mandated standardized testing.

However, in relation to Pennsylvania, NCLB has had small success. One concern, specifically in the urban districts such as Philadelphia, is inadequately designed assessments and close-minded school responses due to the pressure to get overall district scores up. The inner city schools are not getting the educational attention they deserve. Through a case study in Baltimore, MD, one significant change was the inclusion of all students and presenting educational materials in a fun and exciting way. By engaging the students in a learning carnival style atmosphere, school can be fun again. With students, teachers, and family members working together, the push for educational reform in inner city schools can become a reality. Right? What do you think?

Wallis, C. (2008). No child left behind: doomed to fail?. Retrieved June 16, 2008, from Time Magazine Web site: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1812758,00.html