Participating in the Evolution of NCLB

Although touted as a model of bipartisan cooperation, the development of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) took place almost entirely behind closed doors. Without an opportunity to contribute to a law with dramatic implications for all public schools, states, districts, teachers, and unions, among others, continue to voice concerns. These concerns range in scope from disagreement with NCLB’s fundamental premise to smaller details, such as the calculation of adequate yearly progress (AYP). As the reauthorization of NCLB draws near, numerous organizations are attempting to stimulate changes to the law that will address some of their core complaints. There are even indications that the Bush administration and the Department of Education (ED) are open to this type of input at last.

Efforts by Non-Governmental Organizations

The Forum on Educational Accountability, a group representing the interests of 67 national education and civic groups, including the Children’s Defense Fund and FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing, recommended changes to five areas within NCLB: measurement of student progress, assessments, capacity building, sanctions, and funding. Key representatives from the group presented these proposed changes to Capitol Hill staff in January of this year.

Also in January, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) launched a web site to complement its “Let’s Get It Right Campaign.” Similar to the Forum on Educational Accountability, the AFT supports the overall goal of eradicating gaps in achievement, but sees serious flaws in the law that threaten its likelihood of success. In order to stimulate discussion about NCLB and America’s public schools in general, the web site features NCLBlog, a tool to promote candid dialogue about NCLB between individuals implementing NCLB in schools to those setting policy in Washington.

In addition, the Public Education Network (PEN) has concluded its second annual NCLB initiative, which consisted of 9 public hearings in 9 states from 2005 through early 2006. PEN is currently compiling the results of these discussions between local education organizations and citizens concerned with the state of education. These views will then be taken to the White House, Congress, and state and local policymakers with the goal of shaping public policy affecting schools.

Formation of NCLB Commission

While organizations and state legislatures have been proposing changes to NCLB since its inception, it appears that recent efforts and the bipartisan backlash from state leaders have created the critical mass necessary for Congress and ED to listen. A national bipartisan Commission on NCLB created by Washington think tank the Aspen Institute and headed by former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, was announced in mid-February. This Commission is tasked with providing Congress with information on the strengths and weaknesses of NCLB, as well as presenting recommendations on how to improve NCLB before its 2007 reauthorization.

The Commission had its first organizational meeting on March 7, at which time commission members attempted to set the agenda for upcoming months. The first of five hearings to discuss NCLB will be held in late March or early April in Los Angeles, with a focus on teacher quality. Each month through June, additional hearings (locations to be decided) will take place, focusing on assessments, accountability, including AYP and alternative AYP model discussions, and turning around struggling schools—interventions and consequences. A final hearing will convene in Washington DC in September to discuss general NCLB issues. Governor Barnes described the Commission’s efforts with: “Education is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it is an American issue. This Commission represents a vast cross section of American’s key education stake holders. Without this representation we cannot effectively offer recommendations on how to close the achievement gap.”

New Education Committee Chair

In addition, the new chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, R-CA, announced a plan to hold national hearings and roundtable discussions about NCLB. McKeon, a former school board member who has expressed a desire to work in a bipartisan manner, stated "I'd like to hear from the people at the local level—what successes they've had, failures or problems, and hear what they think would make it better. I like the idea of getting a lot of feedback … [with roundtable discussions] that are a little more informal instead of these inquisitions we call hearings."

Undoubtedly, NCLB is going to be under serious scrutiny at all levels as its reauthorization approaches. The combination of increasing flexibility from ED and the wide range of organizations taking part in the discussions, suggests that NCLB is in a time of turmoil, with further developments in the works.

Prepared by Elisabeth Thurston, March 15, 2006