I’m waffling!!!! (It’s rare, so enjoy it while it lasts!)
This NCLB defiance topic really has me thinking and this article helped me to come to a better understanding of why the states defying NCLB might actually be more savvy than silly. The states that are so far freezing their accountability targets (Montana, Idaho, South Dakota) are doing so to protest Congress’s lack of progress in re-tooling NCLB and their basic standstill in addressing the effect that inflated targets will have on the states’ abilities to support failing schools. The states are claiming that by continually raising the targets, more schools would be considered “failing” and identified as in need for support. If more schools are identified as in need, the states legitimately lack resources to support the schools to bring them to higher levels of achievement. What I’m concerned about is that it looks like these states, and the others waiting in the wings, are saying “We want lower standards”, but what I really think they’re screaming at the government is “Help us and be realistic!”.
Here’s where I’m waffling or still undecided:
- Are these excuses to keep the bar low(er) or are these legitimate claims in light of the funding crisis?
- Regardless of funding, isn’t it the right thing to do for our kids to keep raising the bar?
- Would I want my child going to a school that is performing only because we’ve kept the target lowered? Is this like asking the doctor to give me the test that makes it LOOK LIKE I’m not sick when I really am?
- What is a logical timeline for Congress to do its work on NCLB? Is there an intermediate plan?
- I know (trust me I know) that throwing money at a problem does not solve it, but there has to be funding to support increased professional development and accountability to struggling schools?
- Is this the best/only way for states to get the attention of Congress?
Check out this NCLB update from EdNews.com.
I would love to hear from you about this hot topic!