The ABCs of No Child Left Behind: Accountability, Benefits and Controversies
Abstract
Aiming to address major inequalities and shortcomings within the American education establishment, the Elementary and Secondary Act of 2002 (No Child Left Behind Act, NCLB) propelled the Federal Government to an unprecedented commitment into public education. Since its inception, criticism has mounted from educators to policymakers, claiming that NCLB is an “unfunded mandate†that actually inhibits public education. Proponents respond that the accountability measures and goals of NCLB are longoverdue. This policy paper analyzes the core controversies of NCLB and offers additional proposals to improve public education in America. To borrow from a recent president, the paper’s recommended approach to NCLB is “mend it, don’t end it.â€Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
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