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Quyn-Marie Patton
Professor Chris McBride
English 004
27 November 2016
US EDUCATIONAL REFORM HIGHLIGHTS
President Obama’s goals in education for the nation’s public schools students, is multi-
layered. The main goal through congress and the US Department of Education is that every
child has access to equal education. The other goals being, creating higher standards, better
assessments and recruiting more effective teachers. There will be more help for lower achieving
schools. Programs such as No Child Left Behind, created by President Bush will be adjusted.
More information about that program; NCLB, at www.Whitehouse.gov/issues.education.
The law known as NCLB lays out strict yearly assessments, of school districts and
states. The methods the present administration is using, are intended to give states and districts
flexibility with meeting the strict criteria of NCLB, It will be discussed along with other
educational programs. The following five programs are a very important part of that reform.
These programs will be explained in detail they are; No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Waivers for
Schools (for NCLB), Innovation Fund (i3), Race to the Top and Teach to learn.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
President Bush Enacted NCLB, January 8, 2002. Provisions of the act require all public
and charter schools that receive government funding to meet certain criteria. They must
administer state-wide standardized tests. These tests are given annually to all students, to make
sure they are achieving at grade level. And that the students of that state have scores
compared, to nation-wide expectations. This means all students take the same test under the
same conditions. Schools that receive title l funding through the Elementary and Secondary act
of 1965, must make Adequate Yearly Progress, (AYP). Schools need to make yearly progress.
Schools, that fail to meet the standards, can face corrective actions, each year. The sixth year if

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the school has failed consistently, the school could face more actions, including closure. This
government site, has more information: www.2ed.gov/programs/innovations/index.html. (1.)
WAIVERS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Some states were having trouble meeting the standards for NCLB. They wanted more
flexibility in meeting the requirements. In 2011 President Obama announced that The
Department of Education would grant waivers, from particular provisions of the NCLB law.
Some of the states were just, preparing students to take the tests, without them having real
knowledge of the material, the subject matter. A way was needed to revamp the act and not
water it down. Schools can apply for waivers to give them, that flexibility they were seeking.
Some more information, www.Whitehouse.gov/issues/education.
INNOVATION (i3 ) FUNDING
The mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global
competiveness, by fostering educational excellence. And ensuring equal access to educational
materials. The investing in the innovation fund, established under section 14007 of the
American Recovery Act of 2009, provides funding to support education. It’s supports firstly, local
educational agencies and secondly nonprofit organizations. They must have one or more
(LEAs), Local educational agencies, or a consortium of schools. Funding is provided to improve,
education and schools, can be used for physical improvement. (2.)
RACE TO THE TOP
This is a assessment program grant. The Race to the Top assessment program
provides, funding to a consortia of states to develop assessments that are valid. And a measure
students achievement against standards. This will give them a chance to achieve in college and
the workplace. In 2010, 330 million was distributed to: Alabama ,Arkansas, California, Colorado,
and twenty-two other states.
TEACH TO LEAD

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This is a initiative of the US Department of Education and the National Board of
Teaching. It creates standards to advance student outcomes, by expanding opportunities for
teacher leadership. Focusing on those that allow the teachers to stay in the classroom. Teacher
leadership means, they have more of a voice in school policies that affect their students. Part of
this program is, Commit to Lead an online platform, educators use to share ideas. They are able
to vote on each other’s ideas. Www.ed.gov/blog/2014/03teach-to-lead-from- rubber-stamps-to-
voice-and-visual.
Most of these programs are available to all states. These programs are very
comprehensive, and are making steady improvements in US public education. The good news
is there is relief for states and school districts that are struggling.

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Works Cited
(1.) Article: ClearingHouse. Jul2007, Vol80 issue6 p287-291 5p
(2.) State Legislatures. June 2014, Vol40 issue6, p25-27. 3p