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Signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is the principal federal law affecting education from kindergarten through high school. NCLB is built on four pillars: expanded local control and flexibility; doing what works based on scientific research; accountability for results; and more options for parents. The main goal of NCLB is to help all students in the Commonwealth to reach proficiency in English language arts/reading and mathematics by the year 2014.
Expanded local control and flexibility. NCLB provides supplemental educational funds to schools and districts through federal grants. NCLB gives local communities and school districts discretion in using federal funds while holding students, teachers and principals accountable for results.
Doing what works based on scientific research. NCLB requires states and districts to implement programs and practices with a proven track record of improving student academic achievement.
Accountability for results. Massachusetts has established high academic standards for student academic achievement, measures student progress towards proficiency against those standards, and holds schools and districts accountable for the progress of all student groups.
More options for parents. Parents whose children attend schools that receive federal dollars receive annual report cards with information about student achievement, accountability, and teacher quality. Schools that do not make adequate yearly progress (AYP) may have to offer parents the option of transferring their child to another school in the district, or receiving free tutoring for their child.
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