BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" BRINGS DRAMATIC CHANGES - Principals And Teachers Could Be Fired

(03/06/2003)

The most dramatic changes ever implemented over public education have begun under the Bush administration's "No Child Left Behind Act." West Virginia schools have begun to meet tough new federal standards, facing serious sanctions under the act. Students could transfer out to better schools. School boards could also have to pay for private tutoring services, implement a new curriculum, replace the staff of failing schools, or allow schools to be taken over by the state or a private company. The act prescribes penalties that get progressively tougher for failing schools. After two years, students in low-performing schools will be allowed to transfer to better schools, with the low-performing school footing the bill for transportation. After three years, the choice option must continue and schools must start providing supplemental services like tutoring, after-school programs or summer school. The services are paid for by the school and can be delivered by private companies, local nonprofit groups or other schools. If a school does not make adequate yearly progress for four years, they must implement a new curriculum, decrease the management role of school leaders, appoint an outside expert, or extend the school day or school year. After five years, principals would be fired and the school must develop an alternate plan to provide education. And finally, after six years, all or most of the staff can be fired, or the school can be turned over to the state or be run by a private educational corporation.

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