I believe that a district can choose to ignore NCLB if they want. It means giving up some Federal money, but maybe it’s a good trade. Why doesn’t the Board of Ed start talking about this? I don’t think you’ll get any argument from the teachers!

I think given the NCLB funding cuts on the table in Washington, I'm not sure I'd opt in to title 1 funds where you get 100% accountability and 30% investment. I'd prefer NCLB's original intent of 100% investment and 100% accountability.

Scott

NCLB was brought to us by the same man who said "Your doin a heck of a job Brownie", even though we now know Brownie was a crony and had no business having his job. Also the man who said "Mission accomplished!", when it was not. He also said they have "WMDs", they did not. The same man who today used veterans day to launch a political attack, dishonoring all veterans (of course daddy made sure little chicken George would not go to Vietnam, same for draft dodger Dick." NCLB was created by those seeking to destroy the public education system and given to W to drop on the American people. I think Tim believes in it, but it will never work the way it was sold because they will never fully fund it, it set unrealistic goals and it basically is a Trojan horse. Of course I expect in 2008 when a democrat wins the White House we will see NCLB thrown in the toilet and a real education reform plan created to actually help the schools, not destroy them.

Arleigh and Tim:

I do think their will be changes to NCLB beyond just funding mechanisms, however, federal involvement in education will continue. California receives 15 billion in title I funds per year. Adequate yearly progress (AYP) needs to be refined.

Under Ed code 60615, parents and guardians can opt to having their children take state exams. Tim, Arleigh, will you both be pulling your kids out of the state assesments? If parents don;t like it, I'm surprised most parents aren't opting their kids out.

Check out Ed Code 48070.5 when you get a moment... We talk about accountability and this law allows districts the option of using STAR results in student promotion and retention decisions along with their grades. So, essentially if students perform poorly on the tests, school districts could hold them back if necessary. Anyone support the district taking that additional step?

Scott

Just bounced onto this site while looking for info on NCLB. I'm in Washington state and yes, I have opted my children out of our state test, the WASL. I'm not against assessments but our test is a flawed instrument and yet it is required to take AND pass it to graduate from high school. I managed to get one son out from under it before that regulation came in and I have one left. He may have to take it but he'll only take it one time and that will be it. We spend too much time on our test (it takes between 2-3 weeks to take it and costs between $42-$72 per student, depending on grade).

Mel,

Thanks for your comments - We would be interested in hearing more about your situation, as well as your input on NCLB. Also, how did you find our blog?

Tim