http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398 Today, the Center for Education Policy released a report, &quot;Answering the Question That Matters Most: Has Student Achievement Increased Since No Child Left Behind?&quot; The report is about 98 pages, but&nbsp; here are its five main conclusions (No Child Left Behind is federal legislation that requires all schools to have 100 percent of students reading and doing math on grade level by 2014. Schools are expected to make a certain amount of progress each year toward the goal and some schools face sanctions for failing to do so): 1. In most states with three or more years of comparable test data, student achievement in reading and math has gone up since 2002, the year NCLB was enacted. 2. There is more evidence of achievement gaps between groups of students narrowing since 2002 than of gaps widening. Still, the magnitude of the gaps is often substantial. 3. In 9 of the 13 states with sufficient data to determine pre- and post-NCLB trends, average yearly gains in test scores were greater after NCLB took effect than before. 4. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to determine the extent to which these trends in test results have occurred because of NCLB. Since 2002, states, school districts, and schools have simultaneously implemented many different but interconnected policies to raise achievement. 5. Although NCLB emphasizes public reporting of state test data, the data&nbsp; necessary to reach definitive conclusions about achievement were sometimes hard to find or unavailable, or had holes or discrepancies. More attention should be given to issues of the quality and transparency of state data. Go here to see the full report: http://www.cep-dc.org/ Go&nbsp; here to see California's profile: http://www.cep-dc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=document.showDocumentByID&amp;nodeID=1&amp;DocumentID=201 Here is State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell's response: &quot;California has had rigorous content standards and accountability in place since well before the implementation of No Child Left Behind, and the hard work done to align instruction, materials, professional development, and testing to our standards is clearly paying off,&quot; O'Connell said. &quot;Public education in California is on the right track. I strongly agree with the goals of No Child Left Behind, but as the Center's report points out, the federal system's single measure of achievement gives no credit for even significant gains in achievement by students who have not yet reached the high bar of proficiency. Also, because state standards vary widely, states such as California that expect more of their students are more likely to fall short of the federal accountability goal, while states that hold lower expectations may appear to be doing better. That is both misleading and unfair. I firmly believe that California's Academic Performance Index - a model based on achievement growth from year to year - offers the public a more accurate and more comprehensive picture of school performance.&quot; Furthermore, O'Connell is recommending the federal government do the following to &quot;fix&quot; NCLB, among other things: &mdash; Fully fund the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (aka NCLB) and make the investment commensurate to ESEA's expectations a priority throughout the federal appropriations cycle; &mdash; Extend and expand common-sense flexibility for meeting highly qualified teacher requirements; &mdash; Allow states and school districts more flexibility and provide more efficient funding for the provision of supplemental educational services and school choice; and &mdash; Recognize parental rights to exempt their children from state testing, and not penalize schools where more than 5 percent of parents exercise that right. See the letter he sent members of Congress here: file:///Users/lschencker/Desktop/CDE%20Reauthorization%20of%20the%20ESEA%5B1%5D.pdf It's true that student achievement in math and English has basically gone up since No Child Left Behind was enacted, including locally in Kern County. Most educators I talk to say they like the idea behind NCLB (making sure all students get the best education possible and are given high expectations) but believe the goal of having 100 percent of kids on grade level by 2014 is unrealistic and feel NCLB doesn't recognize many instances of progress and instead only punishes for falling short. In fact, over the past year and a half, I don't think I've ever talked to a teacher who was happy with the 100 percent goal. What do you think? Today, the Center for Education Policy released a report, &quot;Answering the Question That Matters Most: Has Student Achievement Increased Since No Child Left Behind?&quot; The report is about 98 pages, but&nbsp; here are its five main conclusions (No Child Left Behind is federal legislation that requires all schools to have 100 percent of students reading and doing math on grade level by 2014. Schools are expected to make a certain amount of progress each year toward the goal and some schools face sanctions for failing to do so): 1. In most states with three or more years of comparable test data, student achievement in reading and math has gone up since 2002, the year NCLB was enacted. 2. There is more evidence of achievement gaps between groups of students narrowing since 2002 than of gaps widening. Still, the magnitude of the gaps is often substantial. 3. In 9 of the 13 states with sufficient data to determine pre- and post-NCLB trends, average yearly gains in test scores were greater after NCLB took effect than before. 4. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to determine the extent to which these trends in test results have occurred because of NCLB. Since 2002, states, school districts, and schools have simultaneously implemented many different but interconnected policies to raise achievement. 5. Although NCLB emphasizes public reporting of state test data, the data&nbsp; necessary to reach definitive conclusions about achievement were sometimes hard to find or unavailable, or had holes or discrepancies. More attention should be given to issues of the quality and transparency of state data. Go here to see the full report: http://www.cep-dc.org/ Go&nbsp; here to see California's profile: http://www.cep-dc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=document.showDocumentByID&amp;nodeID=1&amp;DocumentID=201 Here is State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell's response: &quot;California has had rigorous content standards and accountability in place since well before the implementation of No Child Left Behind, and the hard work done to align instruction, materials, professional development, and testing to our standards is clearly paying off,&quot; O'Connell said. &quot;Public education in California is on the right track. I strongly agree with the goals of No Child Left Behind, but as the Center's report points out, the federal system's single measure of achievement gives no credit for even significant gains in achievement by students who have not yet reached the high bar of proficiency. Also, because state standards vary widely, states such as California that expect more of their students are more likely to fall short of the federal accountability goal, while states that hold lower expectations may appear to be doing better. That is both misleading and unfair. I firmly believe that California's Academic Performance Index - a model based on achievement growth from year to year - offers the public a more accurate and more comprehensive picture of school performance.&quot; Furthermore, O'Connell is recommending the federal government do the following to &quot;fix&quot; NCLB, among other things: &mdash; Fully fund the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (aka NCLB) and make the investment commensurate to ESEA's expectations a priority throughout the federal appropriations cycle; &mdash; Extend and expand common-sense flexibility for meeting highly qualified teacher requirements; &mdash; Allow states and school districts more flexibility and provide more efficient funding for the provision of supplemental educational services and school choice; and &mdash; Recognize parental rights to exempt their children from state testing, and not penalize schools where more than 5 percent of parents exercise that right. See the letter he sent members of Congress here: file:///Users/lschencker/Desktop/CDE%20Reauthorization%20of%20the%20ESEA%5B1%5D.pdf It's true that student achievement in math and English has basically gone up since No Child Left Behind was enacted, including locally in Kern County. Most educators I talk to say they like the idea behind NCLB (making sure all students get the best education possible and are given high expectations) but believe the goal of having 100 percent of kids on grade level by 2014 is unrealistic and feel NCLB doesn't recognize many instances of progress and instead only punishes for falling short. In fact, over the past year and a half, I don't think I've ever talked to a teacher who was happy with the 100 percent goal. What do you think? en-us Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:44:34 PDT Without the strictest transparency and accountability throughout NCLB remains a horrendous blunder. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101556 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101556 Without the strictest transparency and accountability throughout NCLB remains a horrendous blunder. <p>NPR had a segment on NCLB this morning and the concensus among educators and researchers is that the answer is &quot;we don't know&quot;.</p> <p>The biggest reason is because many states have their own standardized tests and they haven't been in practice long enough to make a determination. Also, practices and testing has changed and comparing past data with current data is meaningless.</p> <p>The fact that many states have opted out of NCLB is an indication it's not working.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101639 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101639 <p>NPR had a segment on NCLB this morning and the concensus among educators and researchers is that the answer is &quot;we don't know&quot;.</p> <p>The biggest reason is because many states have their own standardized tests and they haven't been in practice long enough to make a determination. Also, practices and testing has changed and comparing past data with current data is meaningless.</p> <p>The fact that many states have opted out of NCLB is an indication it's not working.</p> The best result from NCLB has been the raised discussion level regarding public education. Our nation is better focused on  education efforts to raise the bar for our young people. NCLB is a measure, as part of a continuing process, to address inequities in our current system. It will not, nor should it, be the last time we challenge ourselves to improve our national education standards. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101674 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101674 The best result from NCLB has been the raised discussion level regarding public education. Our nation is better focused on  education efforts to raise the bar for our young people. NCLB is a measure, as part of a continuing process, to address inequities in our current system. It will not, nor should it, be the last time we challenge ourselves to improve our national education standards. <p>I could've told people that No Child Left Behind would be a bust.&nbsp; This administration will *NEVER* solidly support birth control.</p> <p>.</p> <p>What?</p> <p>.</p> <p>Oh...nevermind.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101693 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101693 <p>I could've told people that No Child Left Behind would be a bust.&nbsp; This administration will *NEVER* solidly support birth control.</p> <p>.</p> <p>What?</p> <p>.</p> <p>Oh...nevermind.</p> That's funny, RF! http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101832 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101832 That's funny, RF! <p>No Child Left Behind Act:</p> <p>House Vote:</p> <p>Dem:&nbsp; 198 - 6 in Favor.</p> <p>Rep:&nbsp; 183 - 33 in Favor.</p> <p>Ind:&nbsp; 2 opposed.</p> <p>Senate Vote:</p> <p>Dem:&nbsp; 43 - 6 in Favor</p> <p>Rep:&nbsp;&nbsp; 44 - 3 in Favor</p> <p>Ind:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 opposed.</p> <p>Total</p> <p>Dem:&nbsp; 241-12 in Favor</p> <p>Rep:&nbsp; 227-36 in Favor</p> <p>Ind:&nbsp; 1 opposed.</p> <p>Interesting how more Democrats than Republicans voted for it.&nbsp; Interesting how Bush had not choice but to sign it as it had a veto proof majority.&nbsp; Interesting facts indeed.&nbsp; (Que the responses that Bush lied about the intelligence behind NCLB.)</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101935 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101935 <p>No Child Left Behind Act:</p> <p>House Vote:</p> <p>Dem:&nbsp; 198 - 6 in Favor.</p> <p>Rep:&nbsp; 183 - 33 in Favor.</p> <p>Ind:&nbsp; 2 opposed.</p> <p>Senate Vote:</p> <p>Dem:&nbsp; 43 - 6 in Favor</p> <p>Rep:&nbsp;&nbsp; 44 - 3 in Favor</p> <p>Ind:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 opposed.</p> <p>Total</p> <p>Dem:&nbsp; 241-12 in Favor</p> <p>Rep:&nbsp; 227-36 in Favor</p> <p>Ind:&nbsp; 1 opposed.</p> <p>Interesting how more Democrats than Republicans voted for it.&nbsp; Interesting how Bush had not choice but to sign it as it had a veto proof majority.&nbsp; Interesting facts indeed.&nbsp; (Que the responses that Bush lied about the intelligence behind NCLB.)</p> No choice but to sign it?&nbsp; He asked for it.&nbsp; It's not like NCLB was forced on him.&nbsp; There was precious little intelligence behind it.&nbsp; &quot;Is our children learning?&quot; Bush asked. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101939 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101939 No choice but to sign it?&nbsp; He asked for it.&nbsp; It's not like NCLB was forced on him.&nbsp; There was precious little intelligence behind it.&nbsp; &quot;Is our children learning?&quot; Bush asked. <p><font color="#ff0000">Interesting how Bush had not choice but to sign it</font></p> <p><br /> Once again with the ignorant statements.</p> <p><br /> NCLB was one of Bush's priorities.</p> <p><br /> http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/reports/no-child-left-behind.html</p> <p><font size="-1"><span class="a">www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/<wbr></wbr>01/05/elec04.prez.<strong>bush</strong>.no.child.ap/</span></font></p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101947 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101947 <p><font color="#ff0000">Interesting how Bush had not choice but to sign it</font></p> <p><br /> Once again with the ignorant statements.</p> <p><br /> NCLB was one of Bush's priorities.</p> <p><br /> http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/reports/no-child-left-behind.html</p> <p><font size="-1"><span class="a">www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/<wbr></wbr>01/05/elec04.prez.<strong>bush</strong>.no.child.ap/</span></font></p> The Democrats have time&nbsp;and again given Bush what he asked for, and then watched him screw it up. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101948 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101948 The Democrats have time&nbsp;and again given Bush what he asked for, and then watched him screw it up. <p><font color="#ff0000">There was precious little intelligence behind it.</font></p> <p><br /> The real problem is that despite Bush's insistence NCLB was passed, he failed to fully fund it. And in every year since Bush has cut funding.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101949 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101949 <p><font color="#ff0000">There was precious little intelligence behind it.</font></p> <p><br /> The real problem is that despite Bush's insistence NCLB was passed, he failed to fully fund it. And in every year since Bush has cut funding.</p> <p>Look at the excuses fly...</p> <p>If Democrats did not like NCLB, they should have not voted for it.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101958 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101958 <p>Look at the excuses fly...</p> <p>If Democrats did not like NCLB, they should have not voted for it.</p> <p>What, and say no to Bush?&nbsp; Why, he'd have had a hissy fit and called them all traitors.&nbsp; Is GrpThink right, that the funding has been cut every year?&nbsp; Depends on what you mean by &quot;cut.&quot;</p> <p><a href="http://www.nea.org/lac/funding/images/fundinggapchartFY08.pdf">http://www.nea.org/lac/funding/images/fundinggapchartFY08.pdf</a></p> <p>Since NCLB has never been fully funded, the money has been &quot;cut&quot; back every year, by greater and greater amounts.&nbsp; Since it hasn't kept up with inflation, you could legitimately call *THAT* a cut.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sounds more like a &quot;reason&quot; than an &quot;excuse.&quot;</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101976 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101976 <p>What, and say no to Bush?&nbsp; Why, he'd have had a hissy fit and called them all traitors.&nbsp; Is GrpThink right, that the funding has been cut every year?&nbsp; Depends on what you mean by &quot;cut.&quot;</p> <p><a href="http://www.nea.org/lac/funding/images/fundinggapchartFY08.pdf">http://www.nea.org/lac/funding/images/fundinggapchartFY08.pdf</a></p> <p>Since NCLB has never been fully funded, the money has been &quot;cut&quot; back every year, by greater and greater amounts.&nbsp; Since it hasn't kept up with inflation, you could legitimately call *THAT* a cut.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sounds more like a &quot;reason&quot; than an &quot;excuse.&quot;</p> Countdown until Ronm rejects the graph because he doesn't like the &quot;terrorists&quot; at the NEA:&nbsp; ten...nine...eight... http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101977 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101977 Countdown until Ronm rejects the graph because he doesn't like the &quot;terrorists&quot; at the NEA:&nbsp; ten...nine...eight... <p><font color="#ff0000">If Democrats did not like NCLB, they should have not voted for it.</font></p> <p><br /> You'll never get it, will you?</p> <p><br /> There was nothing wrong with the concept of NCLB or with the bill passed.</p> <p><br /> The problem was with Bush's execution, including the lack of funding he provided, of the law. Pretty much everything Bush has touched has gone to hell. Katrina response, Iraq, ignoring the 9/11 warnings, etc.<br /> </p> <p><br /> At least you stopped claiming Bush was against the law.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101980 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101980 <p><font color="#ff0000">If Democrats did not like NCLB, they should have not voted for it.</font></p> <p><br /> You'll never get it, will you?</p> <p><br /> There was nothing wrong with the concept of NCLB or with the bill passed.</p> <p><br /> The problem was with Bush's execution, including the lack of funding he provided, of the law. Pretty much everything Bush has touched has gone to hell. Katrina response, Iraq, ignoring the 9/11 warnings, etc.<br /> </p> <p><br /> At least you stopped claiming Bush was against the law.</p> <font color="#ff0000">Depends on what you mean by &quot;cut.&quot;</font><br /> <br /> A cut is anything that isn't an actual increase.<br /> <br /> Not keeping up with increases in the CPI is an example.<br /> <br /> In this case, it's Bush not keeping up with the yearly increases Congress worked into the bill. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101991 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/schooled/10398/#c_101991 <font color="#ff0000">Depends on what you mean by &quot;cut.&quot;</font><br /> <br /> A cut is anything that isn't an actual increase.<br /> <br /> Not keeping up with increases in the CPI is an example.<br /> <br /> In this case, it's Bush not keeping up with the yearly increases Congress worked into the bill.