NCLB Recommendations #6 and #7
SUBJECT
Intermediate Goals for Subgroups
P.L. 107-110 PROVISIONS
TITLE I PART A SUBPART 1 SEC. 1111(b)(2)(H)(i)
NSBA RECOMMENDATIONS
#6: Intermediate goals do not have to increase in equal increments over time.
#7: Different subgroups can have different rates of increase to ultimately reach 100 percent proficiency by 2014.
RATIONALE
This option would give schools and school districts flexibility in addressing the unique needs of specific subgroups that may already be positioned at different points to achieve full proficiency.
PROPOSED BILL LANGUAGE
Section 1111 (20 U.S.C. 6311) is further amended in subsection (b)(2)(H)(i)—
By striking “in equal increments”; and
By inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: “in—
“(aa) increments defined by the State as appropriate for the group, for each of the groups of students described in subparagraph (C)(v); and
“(bb) equal increments, for all other students.”.
IMPACT OF CURRENT LAW
NCLB currently requires states to establish intermediate goals that increase in equal increments for all subgroups over time. The percentage of students who must score proficient in a given years, or in periods of two or three years, must rise in equal amount until the figure reaches 100 percent by 2014. This practice, however, does not consider the unique needs of specific subgroups which schools and school districts must address in order to help these students reach proficiency. Particularly, students within the disabilities and limited English proficiency subgroups have a wide range of abilities and needs that they may not follow the same pace of learning as their peers in other subgroups. In addition, the introduction of new tests, new curriculum and new teaching methods does not readily translate into an even rise in student performance, as NCLB currently assumes.
NSBA CONTACT
Reggie Felton, director of federal relations, 703-838-6782 or rfelton@nsba.org.