One famous debate on how to close the achievement gap is the "No Child Left Behind Act". The "No Child left behind" law requires states to give students in grades 3-8 an annual test in reading and math. In 10 years, all students are supposed to test as proficient. " Many people feel very strongly about the efficacy of this bill to close the ever widening achievement gap. The Washington Post says that the act sets a "lofty standard." Whether or not the act sets a lofty standard, this act attempts to make progress on solving the problem at hand. Answers.com says that the act is good because it "increases the quality of education. Schools are required to improve their performance under NCLB by implementing 'scientifically based research' practices in the classroom, parent involvement programs, and professional development activities."
The "No Child left behind" act also has several people that are extremely against it. Opponents of this bill say that it "hasn't been effective in improving education in elementary, middle and especially high schools as evidenced by mixed results in standardized tests since NCLB's 2002 inception.(About.com)" Several people say call the bill an unfunded mandate. Some argue that the bill is unfair because has a bias towards groups that are better at taking standardized test.
My opinion of the attempt, is that it was a good start. I believe that the intentions were in the right place. The president saw that there was a problem, and he tried to solve that problem. However, this bill is only a first attempt. Before legislature renews the bill, they need to work out the kinks in it, like making sure that there is enough money in the budget to fund it.
5 comments:
In your research, you say that some people argue against the "No Child Left Behind Act" becuase it is ineffective. I want to know your personal opinion about this act. Do you feel it has proven to be effective over the past few years in benefiting African Americans as well as other ethnic groups? Since this is a fairly new resolution to closing the achievement gap, do you feel there needs to be improvement within this act or new action needs to happen?
Ashton- I really like the perspective you took in approaching this issue. You hit at a few of both the pros and cons commonly held to the "No Child Left Behind" act, and then went on to explain your personal view. I agree with you completely in that we shouldn't condemn the act for it's faults, but rather should recognize it as a step in the right direction. At least the problem has been noticed, and at least SOMEONE is TRYING to fix it. I think that alot of people feel pressured to pick just one side in this issue and to fight for that side, rather than looking at the act simply for what it is. They forget to consider all sides of it..both the potentially positive and the potentially negative. I like that you keep a balanced mindset.
Ashton, this is definitely a great start to an intriguing idea. As Bush's term comes to an end I have been seeing more and more in the news about the faults of this act. However, I have to agree that no matter your opinion, you must note that at least it is a step in the right direction. I know that in my high school sometimes standards where lowered to accommodate for lower performing students which is unfair to the individuals who work really hard to earn a fair grade. What are some of the kinks that you see in the system which need to be resolved before the bill is renewed?
Krista,
I think that this act is a step in the right direction. In and of itself, the act is full of holes that "almost" anyone can see; for example, the act takes away money from low-achieving schools. Those types of steps are extremely detrimental to an already fragile school. I believe that for the act to be truly effective, there is a lot of revision that needs to take place.
Fred,
I really appreciate your comment. I think that in order for any nation to ever move forward, they most learn to look at an issue from both sides presented. Very rarely, is an idea totally bad; it may just need a lot of revising. When democrats or republicans jump on one side or the other just because it is presented from the other side, I feel that the American people pay the price for their stubbornness.
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