AEA Supports Positive Agenda to Improve Student Learning and Help Schools
The Elementary Secondary Education Act, more commonly known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is up for reauthorization this year, providing an opportunity for revisions that can provide genuine help to our nation’s schools. “While we applaud the goals of NCLB, we believe the current version of NCLB has not delivered on its promise,” says AEA President John Wright. “There are few moments of opportunity as significant as this one, and it will take the efforts of all our members to let their congressmen know about the impact of NCLB in their classrooms, schools, and on their students."

AEA and the National Education Association have identified five areas in which they are emphasizing the need for positive change:

Accountability that rewards success and supports educators in helping students learn. The current system uses a “snapshot” approach based primarily on two standardized tests and dooms many schools to be unfairly labeled failures by imposing unrealistic achievement goals. The law often wrongly labels schools making good progress as bad. For example, if one or two students miss the test, the entire school may be labeled as failing.

Smaller class sizes to improve student achievement. Research and our own experience here in California shows that smaller class sizes work, giving students the one and one help they need. Under President Bush all federal funding for class size reduction has been cut. Congress can restore and add resources to lower class sizes, especially in schools that need the most help.

Quality educators in every classroom and school. The recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators must be a top priority. Professional development and training for teachers and support personnel must be meaningful, up-to-date, and adequately funded.

Increased parental and family involvement in schools. Congress can help provide programs that strengthen the link between families and schools, and develop incentives or requirements for employers to make parental participation in school activities more feasible for working men and women.

Adequate resources to ensure a quality education for every student. In 2001 ESEA was reauthorized with the promise of fully funding its many mandates on states and local school districts. Instead, Congress has continuously cut funding for the program, leaving local districts obligated to comply with the law without the means to pay for it. Cumulative funding shortfalls since the law’s enactment now exceed $55 billion.

AEA’s concerns mirror those voiced by the National Education Association in their Positive Agenda for the Reauthorization of NCLB.  Let your Congressional leaders know about NEA's Positive Agenda for the Reauthorization of NCLB.

"Policy makers didn’t get this federal education law right last time, and they will only get it right this time if we are all involved," says Wright.  "Let’s honor President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society by making certain that this time the act will offer opportunity and not threaten intimidation."