Malachi Davidson Professor Ruth Stewart English 101 Paper 5: Researched Argument Today’s Education No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a United States Act of Congress signed into law by former President George Bush Jr in 2002. It primary focus on improving success among students and pushing past external factors such as gender race or location to give all students a chance at academic achievement. “NCLB is based on stronger accountability for results, more freedom for states and communities, proven education methods, and more choices for parents,” states the official Department of Education website. NCLB holds schools accountable, provides monetary flexibility, guides to classroom practice and, actually involves parents in their children’s educations, …show more content…
There is a ton of evidence that show rising student academic achievement all over the United States. In 2005 the long-term Nation's Report Card (NAEP) showed that math and reading scores were at an all time high, the best they had been since the early 70’s (U.S. Department of Education, No Child Left Behind Act Is Working). There is no denying that there have been positive results since NCLB was implemented. Supporters of the bill point to the fact that standardization of school testing has evened the playing field for students from poverty stricken areas as to have the same minimum levels of education as the more well-funded areas, therefore closing the gap. The “gap” referring to inconsistency in academic performance between groups of students that shows up in grades, standardized-test scores, course selection, dropout and college-completion rates (Education Week, Achievement Gap). While none question the goodness of such an upright attempt at education reform and we cannot dispute the statistical evidence that show positive changes in academic success, we must consider if the achievement gap is truthfully being