Improving the Law

NEA has released proposals for legislative changes to the "No Child Left Behind Act" of 2001. While we support the law's basic goal -- higher school achievement for every child -- we believe some key changes to the law will serve the needs of all of our nation's children.

Each day in our classrooms we stand accountable for what children learn and how well they learn it. We are on the front lines of turning the law's many requirements into reality.

We all share responsibility in making this happen. On behalf of America's teachers, NEA has sent Congress several proposed amendments to the federal law.

NEA's Great Public Schools for Every Child Act would make needed improvements. Specifically, NEA believes federal education programs under NCLB should:

• Protect children from punitive testing. States and schools need room to create systems that will prevent a majority of public schools from being labeled as “low-performing.”  Schools and students should not be judged solely on reading and math test scores.
   
• Be fully paid for. The President’s proposed fiscal 2004 budget would cut funding for ESEA programs by $1.2 billion, from the money Congress approved last year. The effect on America’s schools will reach far and wide. For instance, more than 500,000 students would lose after school services because of a proposed 40 percent cut.
   
• Reach students who need help most. States and school districts need greater leeway to target help to those schools with the most severe academic problems, as opposed to siphoning off funds for transportation for choice and supplemental services or turning schools over to for-profit companies.
   
• Guarantee the best teaching force. We propose closing loopholes in the law’s definition of  “highly qualified” teacher. The law also needs to recognize and accept the unique talent and experiences of veteran teachers in special education, bilingual education, rural school and middle school classrooms.
   
• Help train educators without breaking their banks. Education support professionals should not be forced to pay for needed professional development, training, or college courses to meet new federal standards, but that such costs are met by federal funds.
   
• Protect all rights. All community groups, programs and others who get ESEA funds, including supplemental tutoring services, must fully comply with federal civil rights laws.

NEA also supports current legislation

Countless proposals and suggestions ranging from amending to repealing the No Child Left Behind Act have been offered by state legislatures, elected and appointed local and state school officers, and various national organizations concerned with public education.

There also are a number of proposed bills pending in the U.S. Congress intended to fix various aspects of the federal education law. NEA is supporting key proposed bills that are consistent with the Association's policies and goals.