Links to the text, and related summaries, of the No Child Left Behind Act, and to analysis of implementation and funding Act issues. Also includes current status of the federal Pell Grant program of financial aid for college students.
The No Child Left Behind Act is a controversial federal law that mandates a number of programs aimed at improving U.S. education by increasing accountability standards. There's little doubt that NCLB will be reauthorized by Congress. The open question is: How will Congress change the Act?
Readers share their thoughts about whether or not the "No Child Left Behind" Act should be junked, or whether it's salvageable to measure and encourage public education progress.
An overview and quick-reading details of '08 presidential candidate Barack Obama's policies on education reform, increase support for teachers, and college affordability.
In Nov 2007, Sen. Barack Obama presented a fully-detailed plan to reform public schools, reward and support teachers, and correct the excesses/errors of No Child Left Behind Act. This article includes a brief summary of Sen. Obama's plan, the text of his interesting remarks, and a link to his complete plan.
Barack Obama takes a strongly progressive stance for public education and for teachers, and against publicly-funded vouchers to pay for private school education. His remarks include controversial proposals for across-the-board pay raises for teachers, and redesign of standardized tests to support learning, not punishment of teachers
This Information Center reports and describes the status, politics and pros/cons of the controversial Child Left Behind Act, via the most-read and most searched-for articles and columns at About.com's Guide to Liberal Politics.
The following is the Democratic Party agenda on education and prosperity. "We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity for all Americans, starting with raising the minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition... "
In his fiscal budget plan for the federal 2006-2007 year that commences on October 1, 2006, President Bush proposes to end 42 Department of Education programs and significantly reduce spending for four other programs, for total budget cuts of $4.279 trillion. This article is a complete listing of those 46 programs, along with program descriptions per the US Department of Education website.
The Pell Grant program is the main source of college financing for students from low-income families. 5 million students, 1/3 of US undergradutes, receive Pell Grants. In Dec 2004, the Education Dept changed the eligibility formula so that in 2006, 90,000 students will lose their grants, and 1.5 million more will have major grant reductions.
The Salinas, CA public library will close at the end of 2005 unless donors soon contribute $3.2 million to replace funds taken by state/federal government from city revenues. Public libraries are important homework, literacy and citizenship centers, and the only access to books and the internet for low-income families, children, elderly , disabled and immigrants.
George Bush's education budget cuts of $2 billion actually provide more funds for wealthier students, while taking opportunities and assistance away from poor, disabled and immigrant students. Meanwhile, Donald Rumsfeld has $20 billion more to spend on bombs, battleships and spiffy new Army uniforms.
US Department of Education homepage, with links to info centers for teachers, students, parents and administrators about No Child Left Behind; legislation, federal regulations and policy guidance; research, statistics and evaluation; federal grant progams and contracts; and financial aid programs and policies.
The Democratic Staff of the US Congressional Committee on Education maintains this site, which includes all press releases, summaries and information related to H.R.1, the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which regulates elementary and secondary public education within the United States.
"Ensuring a High-quality Education for Every Child by Building a Stronger Teaching Force," a detailed blueprint to assure that every public school student in America is taught by a highly qualified, well-trained and adequately supported teachers. Written by Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan progressive research institute.
