NCLB

After reading about NCLB, I’d have to say that it seemed like a great plan at the time, but when it came to following through, it seemed to fall apart. Funding that was promised wasn’t there. Teachers had to spend time “teaching to the test” so the school wouldn’t be categorized as a “failing school”. The curriculum seemed to focus on math and reading and leave out just about everything else. With the law being passed, so many changes were made that weren’t in the best interest of the students.

I do agree with the part about teachers being highly qualified. From reading our books for this class, it shows that theories and teaching practices are always changing or being updated. It is the teacher’s job to stay current on all that is happening so they can instruct their students in the best way possible. I feel that all school districts should offer professional development to help their staff being in the educational loop. Teachers should be encouraged to further their education and enrich themselves.

One thing that I disagree with is that NCLB is focused on the “average” student. What is average? Is there really an average student? This past year, my classroom was filled with students who had a variety of needs. It would be very hard for me to pick the “average” student, because so many of them needed help in certain areas. In our school, we do not have standardized testing, so I couldn’t even make a statement about how they would do. I do wonder how students from my school would do if they were put in a public school…but that is a little off topic here!

Overall, I think the NCLB had good intentions, but it just wasn’t followed through with the same enthusiasm as it was put into action. With feedback from educators and districts nationwide, it could be updated to better fit the needs of all areas. Would each district even be responsible for participating? What would the new standards be? I’m not sure of these answers, but maybe one day we will see a more realistic plan.