Vermont: No Child Left Behind?

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Eighteen months ago, President Bush signed into law a sweeping educational reform plan called the "No Child Left Behind Act." The president says he created the law to improve accountability for federal education dollars, give parents more choice and ensure no child falls between the cracks. Most agree that the goals are commendable. But many believe the law will eventually hurt Vermont schools.

VPR’s Nina Keck explores the sweeping reform plan and its impact on Vermont’s schools in a special two part series, June 9-10, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered on Vermont Public Radio.

Implementing the law in a rural state June 9, 2003
The law mandates standardized testing. But for Vermont schools with a small student body, their smaller class sizes mean less statistically valid results. Proponents for the law say standardized testing keeps schools accountable.

Financing the law June 10, 2003
The President promised historic increases in education spending to help states meet the new policy, but many educators argue the federal money won’t come close to covering the costs of the new mandates.

Related links:
Vermont Dept. of Education NCLB site
No Child Left Behind federal government site
New Hampshire Public Radio special series on NCLB

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