no child left behind act of 2001

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a controversial United States federal law (Act of Congress) that reauthorized a number of federal programs aiming to improve the performance of U.S. primary and secondary schools by increasing the standards of accountability for states, school districts, and schools, as well as providing parents more flexibility in choosing which schools their children will attend. Additionally, it promoted an increased focus on reading.

NCLB is based on the belief that setting high expectations and establishing measurable goals can improve individual outcomes in education. The Act requires states to develop assessments in basic skills to be given to all students in certain grades, if those states are to receive federal funding for schools. NCLB does not assert a national achievement standard; standards are set by each individual state, in line with the principle of local control of schools.

The effectiveness and desirability of NCLB's measures are hotly debated.
the effectiveness can be in terms of measured results and in other ways like teaching methods. benefits include providing data which improves quality of instruction by requiring schools to implement "scientifically based research" practices in the classroom, parent involvement programmes, and professional development activities for those students that are not encouraged or expected to attend college. it has also narrowed class and racial gaps in school performance by creating common expectations for all. The Department of Education points to National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, released in July 2005, showing improved student achievement in reading and math.

However, this could mean that teachers would manipulate the results or records to make it seem like there was an improvment.The system of incentives and penalties sets up a strong motivation for schools, to manipulate test results. For example, schools have been shown to employ creative reclassification of drop-outs. Also, NCLB could reduce effective instruction and student learning because it may cause states to lower achievement goals and motivate teachers to "teach to the test."

I feel that this act is beneficial to a certain extent. It makes sures that students walk out of school, a better, and smarter person. However, this will only happen with the co-operation of teachers. Teachers should still teach the whole syllabus and not only a certain part that is coming our for the test. Also, this act does not develop individuality but conformity. Maybe, the government could adapt singapore's style of syllabus, like project work which spur students to have a mind of their own and not conform to the masses.