The
federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) signed into law in January
2002 is the latest revision of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary
Education Act (ESEA). It is applied to Georgia public schools
based on state guidelines passed in 2003.
The
overall purpose of the law is to ensure that each child in the
United States is able to meet the high learning standards of the
state in which he or she lives. The specific goals of the law,
as stated by the U.S. Department of Education, are:
All
students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency
(achieving at grade level) or better in reading and mathematics
by 2013-24.
By
2013-14, all students will be proficient in reading by the end
of the third grade.
All
limited English proficient students will become proficient in
English.
By
2005-06, all students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.
All
students will be educated in learning environments that are
safe, drug-free and conducive to learning.
All
students will graduate from high school.
To
help schools and school districts meet these goals, the law provides
requirements, incentives and resources. The requirements include:
A
state definition and timeline for determining whether a school,
a district and the state are making "adequate yearly progress"
(AYP) toward the goal of all students meeting state standards
by the 2013-14 school year
Technical
assistance and sanctions for schools, school districts and states
for failure to make AYP
Annual
testing of all students on statewide standards in reading, mathematics
and science in grades 3-8
Analysis
and reporting of student achievement results in one large group
(in the aggregate) and by specified subgroups (disaggregated).
A
state definition of "persistently dangerous" schools
School
systems allowing students who have been a victim of a violent
criminal offense at school or a school event, or who attend
a "persistently dangerous" school, to choose to attend another
school in the system that is not on the "persistently dangerous"
list
Highly
qualified teachers in core academic subjects by 2005-06
Highly
qualified aides or paraprofessionals
Support
for students not meeting standards and/or for those who have
special needs (e.g., homeless, limited English proficiency,
etc.)
The
use of "scientifically-based" programs and strategies
