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July 10, 2006

NCLB's Testing Debacle

Arizona's recent decision to sue the U.S. Department of Education (ED) over testing students with limited English proficiency (LEP) illustrates why ED's "secret society" approach in granting states flexibility doesn't work. The Associated Press reported that state schools chief Tom Horne was furious that ED reneged on an oral agreement three years ago that allowed Arizona to count toward AYP only those LEP students who have been in the country for at least three years.

Horne decided to sue after ED insisted that the three-year allowance be changed to one year if Arizona wanted its growth model approved. Horne said "I wouldn't let myself be blackmailed. They made an agreement and they should keep their agreements." An ED spokesman said he cannot comment on said agreement.

ED has put itself in an awkward position by not fixing NCLB's flaws, either through regulations or waivers. Instead, it cut deals with individual states to calm opposition to the law. Now under pressure from Congress and various reports, it attempts to take back the flexibility it had given to states; see this item on N-size. The best approach now is for ED to work with Congress to renew the law next year so NCLB's flaws can be permanently fixed. How? See this bill and this bill.

Posted July 10, 2006 10:39 AM | No Child Left Behind

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