"No Child Left Behind"/ESEA  The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was overhauled and signed into law as the "No Child Left Behind Act" in early 2002. Visit this section for news and developments, background and history, and basic information about key aspects of the law.

Achievement Gaps NEA and its affiliates are taking a leadership role in improving achievement for all students and closing the achievement gaps, particularly for low-income and minority students.

Professional Pay   Attracting and retaining qualified school staff -- K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, and education support professionals (ESPs) -- requires salaries that are competitive with those in comparable professions.

Special Education/IDEA  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) formally extended access to a free, quality education to children with disabilities. Since its original enactment in 1975, NEA has continued to work with other organizations to make good on the landmark legislation's still unfulfilled promise.

Vouchers   NEA and its affiliates have been leaders in opposing alternatives like vouchers that divert resources from efforts to improve public schools.

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