The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 represents a sweeping overhaul of federal efforts to support elementary and secondary education in the United States.
The Act embodies four key principles:
- stronger accountability for results;
- greater flexibility for states, school districts and schools in the
use of federal funds; - more choices for parents of children from disadvantaged backgrounds;
and - an emphasis on teaching methods that have been demonstrated to work.
The Act also places increased emphasis on reading, especially for young children; enhancing the quality of our nation's teachers; and ensuring that all children in America's schools learn English.
In keeping with these principles, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act affects virtually every program authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) ranging from Title 1 and efforts to improve teacher quality to initiatives for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and safe and drug-free schools.
Many programs administered through Student Programs and Services benefit from ESEA funding, most significantly Title 1 Neglected and Delinquent Programs, but also Title II Pt. A - Teacher Improvement, Title IV - Safe and Drug Free Schools, and Title V - Innovative Programs.
Though the overall intent of these programs remains the same, NCLB guidelines will now align the Act's main principals with specific performance goals expected of all districts including alternative programs in non-traditional settings similar to SPAS. These goals, as set through California State Board of Education and guided by NCLB principles, include the following:
- All students will reach high standards at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading and mathematics by 2013 - 2014.
- All Limited English Proficient students will become proficient in
English and reach high academic standards and a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics. - By 2005 - 2006, 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.
