by Katherine McGerald
In 2002 Congress enacted the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) with the well-intentioned goal "to close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice so that no child is left behind." (Public Law 107-110-107th Congress) While the purpose of NCLB is admirable, implementing it has become problematic, with the main complaints focusing on the under funding of NCLB and that the law is too focused on testing. The Democratic Town Committee is offering a free, non-partisan forum on Education: No Child Left behind and School Funding on September 26, 2007, at 7:00 pm at the Dayton Room at the Ridgefield Library.
Concerning NCLB, keynote speaker Richard Blumenthal said: "The goals and objectives of the law are very laudable, but the federal government must fulfill its promise and obligation to fund it." Based on this, according to the Connecticut Department of Education website, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is pursuing a lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings for illegally imposing millions of dollars in unfunded federal mandates on Connecticut, in violation of the Unfunded Mandates Provision of the NCLB Act.
Long-time Ridgefield High School Special Education Teacher and NEA-Ridgefield President RoseMary Frederick will speak to NCLB's direct impact on Ridgefield schools. NCLB has raised issues that are pertinent to Ridgefield, including, providing for annual yearly progress on different groups and sub groups (including special needs students). NCLB has set standards for highly qualified teachers that have proved to be somewhat problematic.
Funding for the school district has become increasingly difficult under NCLB. Significant money is required for many of the provisions, including testing and reporting, yet not enough money is provided. Attorney Wendy C. Lekcer will provide analysis of education finance and what can be done concerning NCLB and its unfunded mandates. She will also discuss alternatives to the use of property taxes for school funding.
Growing up in Ridgefield, I remember taking the Connecticut Achievement Test and Connecticut Mastery Test, but they were not the main focus of my learning and education. I have young children who will be tested from 3rd grade through 10th grade because of NCLB. We, as a nation, need to determine if it is appropriate to test 3rd graders, who are often 8 years old, and how the tests should be implemented in order to be most effective.
NCLB is currently in the process of being reauthorized and many in Congress have called for changes in funding and testing format when it is reauthorized. Discussions concerning this will be on going all fall and this program will help you fully understand NCLB and its shortcomings and successes.
Come hear what the education experts have to say about Education: No Child Left behind and School Funding on September 26, 2007, at 7:00 pm at the Dayton Room at the Ridgefield Library.
Doors will open at 6:30 pm and coffee will be served. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Forum may contact Paul Sutherland, at 431-2686 or click HERE.
Katherine McGerald grew up in Ridgefield and moved back in 2004 with her husband and 2 young children.