The “No Child Left Behind Act” was enacted in 2001 by President George W. Bush. The main feature of this act is that it reinstated the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was the featured federal law that affected secondary education. The NCLB is known for increasing the accountability of schools , providing more choices for parents, increasing local control and flexibility, and putting an emphasis on improving academic performance through scientific research.
Increased Accountability on Schools for Better Results
The No Child Left Behind has improved statewide education by holding every school system responsible for the academic results of their students. Under the NCLB states works closely with their schools in order to bride the achievement gap and ensure that all students are achieving the state set standard of academic proficiency. Each year parents receive state and school district reports that review the progress achieved within their state educational system. Any school that does not meet the academic standards is required to provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring. In addition to these services the school is also required take corrective actions in order to improve their educational performance. If the school has not improved their academics over a span of five years, the school is forced to make dramatic changes.
Local Government Provided with Additional Freedom
The No Child Left Behind has provided states and school districts with an increased flexibility in how they use their federal education funds. This substantial increase in flexibility has allowed states to reallocate their funding into programs such as Improving Teacher Quality State Grants, Educational Technology, Innovative Programs, and Safe and Drug-Free Schools programs. This allows each state and school district to cater to the needs of their specific community, and allows them to allocate their resources in the best fit manner without the delays of consulting a higher authority. Overall the NCLB allows for a faster process to improve school systems.
Implementation of Scientifically Proven Education Methods
One of the most positive features of this act is that it supports the use of scientific study in order to implement the best educational programs and practices. Through scientific research we find the most effective practices that improve the academic performance of our students. Once these practices are proven to be successful, the state is provided with federal funding that targets the use of these programs.
NCLB Provides More Options for Parents
Under the NCLB, parents are given more options when the school is performing below the academic standard. If a school is performing below the standard for two consecutive years, parents are given the option to transfer their children to a better-performing public school within their district. If this transfer becomes effective, the district must provide the appropriate transportation for the child. In addition, students who attend a persistently dangerous school are given the option to attend a safe school within their district.
Related Articles: