This column originally appeared in USA Today July 22, 2003, as part of "Today's Debate: Improving Public Schools."

Reform Law is Flawed 

Reg Weaver
President, NEA

The National Education Association has always been dedicated to the goal of leaving no child behind. We have tirelessly advocated for measures that would improve student achievement. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that we support the stated intent of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Our concerns are that the impractical implementation requirements of this law are as detrimental to its success as is its lack of funding.

As an example, under the law's "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) provision, all children are expected to learn the same information at the same rate. Parents know that each child learns in an individual way. It is illogical and impractical to expect every child to have the same skill and ability or be expected to learn and achieve at the same rate.

There is no one-size-fits-all prescription for student achievement. Teachers are trained to assess their students by utilizing a variety of assessment tools. They not only determine the best ways to teach students, but also help determine how much students have learned and retained. Unfortunately, the AYP provision amounts to a single, high-stakes test to determine the success of the student, the teacher and the school.

This one example emphasizes why the NEA proposed critical amendments to the law. Our proposals will provide flexibility to states in identifying and targeting schools that need the most attention, reduce reliance on a single test as a measure of a student's achievement, define requirements of a highly qualified teacher that close loopholes and grant states flexibility, and require Congress to fully fund this law.

The NEA looks forward to joining states and localities in challenging provisions that force districts to spend billions of dollars to implement these underfunded mandates.

The administration proposes a cut of $1.2 billion for K-12 schools while imposing additional mandates. At the same time, from coast to coast, cash-strapped states are laying off teachers and other school employees, and cutting student and teacher programs.

Funding is fundamental to reform. Had there been resources to support education reform, the goals of NCLB would have been a reality long ago. By fixing and funding NCLB, we will ensure that Congress keeps its promise, and we will ensure great public schools for every child.

Reg Weaver

President, National Education Association

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