Ensuring no child is left behind

The goal of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 was to hold the nation accountable for educating all of its students. It focused on bringing to light growing achievement and attainment gaps. It also created a sense of urgency in the need to place high-quality teachers in classrooms.

As the law expires, Congress has another opportunity to refocus the nation on its educational responsibilities and most pressing needs. We believe the country has an obligation to close the gaps in college readiness, college enrollment, and college success; and that Congress should adopt the goal of increasing student preparation for success in postsecondary education, as a primary focus of the nation's elementary and secondary education law.

Specifically, our NCLB recommendations suggest that Congress should address three critical needs when updating current law:

• Expand opportunities for more middle and high school students to participate in—and succeed in—rigorous academic coursework, which prepares them for success in college.

• Build highly effective learning communities among education professionals who can affect student achievement and postsecondary success—and give those professionals the support they need to be successful in schools and classrooms.

• Establish models of voluntary national standards that states can use to support the development of curricula, instructional materials, and assessments that provide students with college readiness and workplace skills.

For more information about NCLB reauthorization, visit http://www.ed.gov/nclb/overview/intro/reauth/index.html.

Review the College Board's NCLB recommendations. Requires Adobe Reader (latest version recommended).

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