No Child Left Behind Argumentative Essay

There was a lot of interesting background information in this article about No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Although there are many different influences on curriculum, educational policy makers are one of the biggest. These policy makers set up standards for what each student must learn and know before being promoted to the next grade level. Standards are measured through different kinds of standardized testing that happens throughout the school year, and exit exams from high school. It is a fear that schools are relying too much on these standardized tests to measure the quality of a teacher. Many people believe that these test are effective in our schools, while other disagree. Teachers have expressed that trying to keep up with these standards have not overwhelmed them but also their students. When trying to focus on teaching these standards they felt as if they were neglecting some lessons that students should be learning. Supporters who are for NCLB obviously agree that the policy is effective, although they believe the law could use some minor changes. Anything more than minor changes would make the law less effective. Supporters

These opponents argue that this law is making school less interesting for students. Taking out things that would be engaging and fun for students, and replacing it with test preparation and sit and get teaching. Important lessons are being taken away from these students just so they are able to prep for tests. Opponents also mention that students should not be judged based solely on test scores. Some students might not perform as well on tests as others. Reading and math scores do not secure intelligence, especially when you look at things through the eyes of the multiple intelligence theory. Another down fall of NCLB that is challenged is penalizing schools and teachers based on the national