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March 26, 2007
Republican misstep on NCLB opposition
Last week I mentioned that the Republican alternative to NCLB makes the GOP (or at least the legislators supporting it) seem "a bit unserious about education." In his WaPo column out today, Sen. Ted Kennedy illustrates what I'm talking about:
The No Child Left Behind Act is up for reauthorization. Some in Congress feel the challenge is too great and want to turn back the clock on reform. One Republican proposal would even let states avoid accountability requirements and still receive federal funds.
Most of us in Congress know that a retreat to mediocrity is wrong. To meet the demands of the 21st century, we have to expand opportunity for all and keep our commitment to leaving no child behind.
I would understand if the Republicans were seeking to tone down the requirements from Washington, or to hold school districts accountable in a different way. But their bill does neither of these things, instead proposing to dismantle the accountability requirements but leave funding intact. Along the way they've abandoned a sort of moral high ground to their opponents, freeing up NCLB supporters to position themselves as the group really serious about holding schools accountable. Call Ted Kennedy what you will, but he's as politically shrewd as they come. Did the Republicans really think they could give him an opening like this and that he wouldn't exploit it?
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Comments
There needs to be LESS testing on these kids! The republicans are RIGHT and should dismantle NCLB. I am a teacher and see how HORRID this law is in the schools! This law is terrible! Kids are miserable and NLCB is the reason.
Posted by: Shane Shaffer | April 5, 2007 09:02 AM
