An analysis by the Rand Corp., says that the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) should be rewritten to promote more uniform academic standards. The non-profit think tank concludes that the flexibility given to states in the 2001 education reform legislation has led to a confusing array of more than 50 different accountability systems.
The Rand report recommends that Congress should rework NCLB to include several provisions:
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Promote more uniform academic standards
The report states that the inconsistencies from state to state have put some at a disadvantage in preparing students for college and careers. -
Promote more uniform teacher qualification requirements
States have wide variations in what constitutes a "highly qualified teacher," the report says. -
Set more appropriate improvement targets
The report concludes that the NCLB goal of having 100 percent of the nation's students proficient by 2014 is unattainable.
Other recommended changes: broaden the measures of student testing; provide incentives for teachers to work in low-performing schools; allow for a more flexible system of interventions; and broaden staff development.
