Submitted by tom, Feb 28, 2007 10:38

The NCLB is alive and ill at high schools already. Despite the law's good intentions and conservative roots, in most cases it does little to spark greater achievement because two of the three major stakeholders face no consequences as a result of the law. Schools and teachers are accountable--as they should be. We are fixated on test scores and looking for any edge to make the grade. However, there are no consequences for parents or students, so the traditional educational triangle falls apart. Currently, there are no consequences for a student who randomly fills in test bubbles or declines to put any effort into a class. Why not change the law so that there was something at stake for everyone? Require summer school and require students be held back until they pass. Refuse Driver's licences and work permits. Make parents pay for students to re-take courses. This would require great bravery on the part of lawmakers, but without this kind of resolve get ready for more of the same. My point is not to blame anyone but to suggest that things will not change until everyone is accountable.

Tom

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