Unrealistic requirements
Re “A juggling act on No Child Left Behind,” Oct. 30
This article exemplifies why the flaws in the No Child Left Behind Act must be fixed now and the juggling act stopped. School boards support the continued discussion of amendments to No Child Left Behind, but we want to see results for our students’ achievement. After four years, there are many requirements that remain unrealistic. Demands such as the 100% proficiency requirements and the 95% participation rate set up successful schools to be labeled as failures.
No Child Left Behind provides strong sanctions on schools based solely on performance in English and math. Because of these aggressive sanctions, many elementary schools have all but abandoned art, science, social science and physical education to avoid being identified for sanctions. No Child Left Behind is undermining a rich, balanced curriculum and will continue to do so unless lawmakers stop the circus acts and get to work for our students.
Scott P. Plotkin
Executive director
California School Boards Assn.
West Sacramento
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