Changes to NCLB on Horizon?

The effort to change some aspects of the No Child Left Behind law is gaining momentum. I fully expect some changes to be made when a new president is elected next November (if not sooner). Who knows… changes to NCLB could be one of Bush’s last acts as President. Ironically, back in 2001, implementing NCLB was one of George Bush’s first acts as President.

The Twin Cities Daily Planet has some information about a meeting held at Hamline University to discuss problems with NCLB. As a parent of a gifted child, I welcome any changes to the curriculum to improve my child’s education.

The article provided this little tidbit:

“As principal at Ames Elementary in St. Paul, Dr. Henderson doesn’t think there is racism in the tests, adding that a “brain is a brain.” She has had great success using Gifted and Talented teaching techniques with her students, 91% of whom are on free or reduced lunch and 80% of whom are people of color. ‘Every child should be given the same opportunity to learn,’ she says, ‘It’s about equity, leadership in the building and engaging our students to learn. I believe every child is gifted and talented.’ “(emphasis added)

When will our political leaders realize that the system is broken? Educators know it, parents know it, and even our kids know it. Maybe NCLB should stand for “No Congressman Left Behind”…