8 for ’08: Educational Reform February 24
The 2008 Presidential Race is picking up momentum, and education reform will play a role in candidates’ platforms. Although candidates seem to be focusing on the war in Iraq, health care, and energy reform, it’s hard to predict how education will be addressed. What will be the future of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)?
The federal government is more involved in education than ever before through NCLB, spending an unprecedented amount of money on the U.S. education system:
Title I of the federal government’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2001— represents the largest single federal involvement ever in education. For the 2004-2005 school year, Congress authorized $18.5 billion, and $12.342 billion, a sum quite close to the President’s budget request, was actually appropriated. For school year 2005-2006, Congress authorized $20.5 billion; the president has requested $13.342 billion.
- No Child Left Behind: Where Does the Money Go? by Gerald W. Bracey, George Mason University
NCLB has been criticized wildly for its focus on testing (Eduventures estimate $2.29 billion as of 2006); corruption as money flows into private coffers close to the Bush Administration (court cases around the curriculum Reading First); and accountability measures for schools unmatched in the private sector, especially those providing services to schools, such as testing agencies. Serious money is being spent, but there are complaints expenditures are not monitored and there is rampant corruption and waste. Money is being thrown at agencies that provide services to schools, and progress is monitored by test scores. Problem is, does this evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided by private agencies?
It can be hard to feel like the voter’s voice is heard in times like these. But administrative change is an opportunity to reinvigorate our involvement. Education Sector, an education policy think tank, has compiled its “Eight for 2008: Education Ideas for the Next President.” This list of proposed initiatives is intended to be bi-partisan and provocative. Are they aligned with your priorities for educational reform?