U.S. Chamber Busts Education Myths

 

There are myths about energy, trade, taxes, and other important business issues perpetuated by the media and special interest groups. As part of a new series, uschamber.com will tackle these myths and set the record straight.

 

To kick off the series, we look at education policy-in particular, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. This five-year-old federal education reform law is up for reauthorization this year. The U.S. Chamber and the Business Coalition for Student Achievement (BCSA) are working to strengthen and improve NCLB's provisions and funding to ensure that today's students are being prepared to succeed in tomorrow's workplace. BCSA recently issued Top Ten Myths of No Child Left Behind, five of which are listed below. 

 

Myth 1: NCLB is not working.
Reality: According to a report by the Center for Education Policy, students are performing significantly better on state reading and math tests since NCLB's passage. It also says that the achievement gap between black and white students is shrinking in many states and that the pace at which the gap is shrinking has increased since enactment of the law.

 

Myth 2: NCLB takes away local control of education.
Reality: Each state has the flexibility to determine its own standards, tests, and definition of grade-level proficiency in reading and math. Local school districts and schools set strategies to help their students reach those standards.

 

Myth 3: NCLB is an unfunded mandate.
Reality: Federal funds, which have increased 40% since NCLB was enacted, are specifically intended to improve the academic performance of low-income children who are traditionally underserved in school. States that do not want to be held accountable by the federal government for improving student achievement can decline the additional funds.

 

Myth 4: Children with different types of disabilities are expected to achieve on a one-size-fits-all test.
Reality: Local school districts have the flexibility to provide testing accommodations for children with special needs to help them achieve. Schools can administer or develop alternative tests for students with severe cognitive disabilities.

 

Myth 5: NCLB requires teachers to "teach to the test."
Reality: NCLB allows teachers to use sound instructional practices to teach a well-designed curriculum based on the state's standards. The tests are a useful tool to help teachers identify where students are falling behind, where they are excelling, and where teachers need to focus to tailor instruction for each student.

 

To read more, go to www.uschamber.com/goto/nclbmyths.