It may take work to make NCLB work for you. By emphasizing standardized tests, NCLB seeks to ensure that students are not being shortchanged by their schools and to close achievement gaps. Still, its effects are controversial. While some studies show that test scores have improved and that students are learning more, others seem to demonstrate that such improvement is chiefly the result of states lowering their own testing standards. Furthermore, initially NCLB focused on reading and math, leaving science and technology (not to mention other subjects) out of the limelight.

 The temptation in many local districts has been to decrease the time and resources devoted to science and technology in order to address NCLB’s emphasis on reading and math.  However, in the 2007-2008 school year, NCLB began to require testing in science although the results are not yet included in Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) reports. Now that testing in science is required, districts are recognizing the gaps in their science programs. Furthermore, science, math, and technology interconnect, and the study of science is an excellent way to improve reading skills, so an increased attention to science and technology can also improve the scores that do count towards AYP.  

• Where can I learn more about the No Child Left Behind Act?
• What does NCLB say about math and science?
• What resources are available to help us navigate the requirements of NCLB?
• What do leading organizations have to say about NCLB’s requirements for mathematics and science?
• What is the future of NCLB?
  

Where can I learn more about the No Child Left Behind Act?

• The Department of Education website allows you to explore different aspects of NCLB and current success stories.

 What does NCLB say about math and science?

“America's schools are not producing the mathematics or science excellence required for global economic leadership and homeland security in the 21st century.”

What resources are available to help us navigate the requirements of NCLB?

The U.S. Department of Education provides a variety of NCLB-oriented resources for both mathematics and science achievement.

What do leading organizations have to say about NCLB’s requirements for mathematics and science?

• NSBA presents policy positions on how NCLB can be improved.
• AAAS supports the idea of voluntary national standards in science and mathematics.
• The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' president opens the 2007-2008 school year with comments on the reauthorization of NCLB.
• The International Technology Education Association argues that NCLB’s focus on technology should be strengthened.
• The National Science Teachers Association argues that science testing results should become part of the AYP report.

What is the future of NCLB?

• An article in the Chicago Tribune discusses Education Secretary Arne Duncan's experience and qualifications.
• An Education Week blog about the future of NCLB (January 2008)
• An NPR story covering some of the proposed changes to NCLB (September 2007)
• The Bush administration's policy proposals for reauthorizing NCLB (January 2007).