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Slow the Reauthorization Process for No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Level of Government: Federal

As a constituent and one of 585,000 members of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) affiliated with both the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), I urge you to slow the reauthorization process for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, No Child Left Behind (NCLB). While I applaud the efforts of Congress to tackle the many problems with NCLB, reauthorization requires time to work through the important details that will make the act a positive influence on education in New York State. It requires a dialogue between Congress and educators who are responsible for its implementation.

The working draft from Congressman Miller attempts to address many of the concerns NYSUT has with this legislation, including better approaches for determining Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP); fairer assessment of English language learners and students with disabilities; identification of schools with the greatest need; and stronger accountability standards for Supplemental Education Services providers. The draft is a good beginning; however, it does not go far enough in these areas and offers no insight into the funding needed to implement the act. In addition, a second working draft proposes significant changes to Titles II through XI, which should receive the same type of thorough review and revision as the Title I draft.

Congress needs more time to hear the views of everyone affected by this important federal policy. For students, parents and educators, it is more important to get it right than to get it done quickly. Please slow down the process and get it right.

Sincerely,

Your Name Here