Martinez Superintendent's Thoughts on No Child Left Behind

No Child Left Behind is an ambitious federal program designed to bring every public school student to proficiency. First signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2001, it requires each state to set standards in math and English, and students must improve with each year. If test scores show that not to be the case, there are increased penalties for schools that receive federal funding. State Superintendent of Education Tom Torlakson has sent a letter to Education Secretery Arne Duncan asking for a suspension of NCLB penalties to last year's levels.

Martinez Patch asked Martinez Unifiend School District Superintendent Rami Muth for her views on NCLB, and on Torlakson's letter. Her response has been edited into a Question and Answer format.

Q: How do you feel about No Child Left Behind?

A: NCLB is like most things in life, a mixture of good and bad. I am a true proponent of accountability. One positive aspect of this law is that it holds all of us accountable for high levels of learning for all students. Good intentions aside, we are the first generation of educators who have had to be accountable for all groups of students, not only those easiest to serve. Today, students with special needs, those learning English as a second language and students who are socio-economically disadvantaged are all held to high standards. In my belief this is a very bold and positive step forward. The challenges of this legislation however are great, however.

Q: Do you think it’s reasonable for all students to be proficient in 2014?  

A: I think not. For example, a student receives special education services because they have an identified disability that impacts their learning. Research shows that it takes three to five years to become fully proficient in English. I believe that the status bar measurement of NCLB is neither attainable nor reasonable and it sets all schools up
for failure. No Child Left Behind will ultimately be No School Left Standing.  

Q: What do you see as the biggest problem with NCLB?

A: The major flaw is that it does not recognize growth over time and focuses far too much on one dimension of learning. It creates undue pressure on the wrong things. Higher-level thinking skills and applied learning are not part of this accountability system and that deficit is significant.

Assessment and accountability are necessary elements of a well-balanced educational program. The system we use under No Child Left Behind places an undue emphasis on one element and fails to recognize that while all children can learn, not all will learn in the same time and in the same way.  

Q: How does the district use NCLB?

A: In Martinez, we have tried to use the data from this system as a catalyst for growth. We look at this data as part of our total educational profile and as one important measurement of growth over time. It is not the only tool we use and it does not
dominate programmatic decisions. We work to ensure all students are
taught a standards aligned-curriculum and that all students are
mindfully engaged with appropriate teaching strategies.

Q: Do you support State Superintendent of Education Tom Torlakson’s call for a federal waiver of NCLB?

A: I believe that Tom Torlakson has done the right thing by requesting a waiver from the federal government. Our standards are higher than most states and we should not be punished for having established high academic standards for the students of California. Hopefully, this bold move will prompt Washington, D.C. to  re-authorize NCLB using a growth model that will honor a model of continuous growth and improvement.