Republicans Push Back Against NCLB Renewal

[Bob Schaeffer <bobschaeffer@earthlink.net>]

<>NO CHILD LAW RUNS INTO GOP REVOLT
FLEXIBILITY IS SOUGHT FOR STATES
Gannett News Service -- July 27, 2007
by Pamela Brogan

Washington -- More than 60 House Republicans are bucking the Bush 
administration and supporting a bill by a Michigan congressman that 
would let states bypass testing and accountability standards in the No 
Child Left Behind law and still get federal funds.

The GOP backlash against the centerpiece of President George W. Bush's 
education policy comes as the law is set to expire Sept. 30.

Minority Whip Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., a former high school and college 
teacher who voted for the bill when it passed Congress in 2001, now has 
misgivings.

"What I want is more flexibility for the states," he said. "I don't 
think that has to eliminate No Child Left Behind. But I think you are 
better off having decisions made about secondary and elementary 
education closer to where kids are. I think we now have to change our 
approach."

House Republicans are backing a measure sponsored by Rep. Peter 
Hoekstra, R-Mich., that would let states opt out of law and set their 
own goals and standards for educating students.

Under Hoekstra's bill, the education secretary could not prohibit a 
state from opting out unless its plan failed to meet certain objectives, 
such as complying with civil rights laws and providing educational 
opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Hoekstra, who was one of 45 lawmakers who voted against the law, said he 
is "not likely" to support any renewal.

He said, "Does Margaret Spellings know more about educating kids in 
Michigan" than Gov. Jennifer Granholm?

The law "is a straightjacket approach to education with mega-mandates," 
he said.

Hoekstra of Holland said Bush knows he is facing a revolt.

Other lawmakers and some school officials want the law repealed.

"I would have No Child Left Behind repealed," said freshman Rep. Michele 
Bachmann, R-Minn., who campaigned on eliminating it and is cosponsoring 
Hoekstra's bill.

Meanwhile, Democrats also are considering changes to the law that is 
unpopular with many local school officials who say its mandates are too 
burdensome.

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor 
Committee, is set to outline his changes to the law Monday and is 
expected to propose legislation in September.

  
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070727/NEWS07/707270381/1009