New Database Tracks NCLB Reform Proposals

[Bob Schaeffer <bobschaeffer@earthlink.net>]

ECS LAUNCHES NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND REAUTHORIZATION DATABASE
A SINGLE SOURCE FOR "WHO'S SAYING WHAT" ABOUT THE ELEMENTARY AND 
SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT

Denver -- Today the Education Commission of the States (ECS) launches 
its No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization database -- a single 
source for "who's saying what" about renewing the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

"As Congress prepares to reauthorize this far-reaching law, we wanted to 
take the lead in providing a tool to better inform the national debate 
for all interested parties," ECS President Roger Sampson said. "In my 
view, many of the recommendations ultimately tie back to effective 
leadership at the school level."

The database captures the recommendations of 15 national organizations 
for revising specific NCLB requirements and provisions, as well as how 
recent education reform priorities should be part of the NCLB discussion.

"ECS is one of the few national education policy organizations that 
could objectively review and analyze what influential groups are 
requesting as Congress moves forward," stated Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas 
Governor and ECS Chair. "ECS can take the pulse of our country through 
their unique, bird's-eye view of key education stakeholders and 
policymaking in every state."

According to the ECS synthesis and analysis of 15 key education policy 
stakeholders across 16 issues, the greatest collective agreement emerged 
in the following areas:

* Allow growth models for calculating Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

* Provide more flexibility for students with disabilities and English 
Language Learners (ELL)

* Provide adequate funding to support NCLB requirements

* Build state and local capacity to assist low-performing schools

* Offer high-quality professional development

* Target assistance and interventions to the highest-need schools and 
students.

Several organizations also called for issues such as high school reform, 
school leadership and teacher effectiveness to play a more prominent 
role in NCLB. In addition, some  recommendations mentioned the need to 
go beyond basic reading and math skills, and ensure students are 
prepared for the 21st century and global economy. Only a few 
organizations, however, mentioned early childhood education or school 
safety.

"We're pleased to have been included in the public forum as we work to 
ensure reauthorization provides greater innovation, capacity and 
research. This database will support us in getting the attention and 
focus necessary to best meet the needs of every student," said Gene 
Wilhoit, executive director of the Council of Chief State School 
Officers (CCSSO).

The database builds on a report and recommendations ECS released in 
2004. "Our initial recommendations still hold true," notes Sampson. "We 
forecasted many issues that would surface as NCLB took root, but also 
have moved forward with national and state priorities."
The database can be accessed through the ECS Web site at      

             www.ecs.org/nclbreauthorization.

The Education Commission of the States is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 
interstate compact created by the states and the U.S. Congress that 
helps governors, legislators, state education officials, business 
leaders and others identify, develop and implement public policies to 
improve student learning at all levels. ECS was formed in 1965 and is 
located in Denver, Colorado.