Real-World Effects of NCLB

The 27-member NEA ESEA Advisory Committee, charged by President Weaver with planning NEA's efforts to change and improve NCLB/ESEA, started out by listening to members around the country. Here's a summary of what they heard:

What HURTS our ability to educate kids?

• Measuring school success exclusively by test scores narrows the curriculum by making schools teach to the test-"If it's not on the test, kiss it good-bye."
• Testing that crowds out learning.
• Failure to acknowledge educators' success, when they take on the tough work of helping students who start out below grade level and whose students make significant academic gains-"NCLB punishes teachers working in at-risk schools."
• One-size-fits-all formulas that do not recognize the individual needs of students-"Our school's goal was to help only those who may be able to pass."
• Inflexible "highly qualified" teacher and education support professional provisions hinder the recruitment and retention of quality educators.

What would HELP us educate kids better?

• Measuring school success based on assessment of student learning over time using multiple indicators.
• Small class sizes to improve student achievement and close achievement gaps.
• Assessments that measure higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills to help students prepare for life in the 21st century.
• Tools and resources such as relevant professional development planned with the input of educators that broadens and deepens knowledge, skills, and abilities and provides continuous professional growth.
• Mentoring that provides time for new teachers to meet and work with their mentors.
• Programs that foster parent involvement and community engagement.

Read the personal stories and observations from NEA members in Voices From the Classroom.