The acronym NCLB stands for the No Child Left Behind Act, a U.S. federal law passed in 2001 that focuses on promoting accountability and improving educational outcomes for students. NCLB places a strong emphasis on standardized testing and the reporting of test scores to measure student achievement and school progress.
Under NCLB, schools are required to annually test students in grades 3-8 in the subjects of reading and math. Additionally, schools must test students once in their high school career. The results of these tests are used to make comparisons across schools, districts, and states, and to identify schools in need of improvement.
The law mandates that schools make adequate yearly progress (AYP) towards proficiency targets, meaning that the percentage of students meeting proficiency levels in reading and math must increase every year. If a school fails to make AYP for multiple consecutive years, it may face various consequences, such as the implementation of improvement plans, offering school choice options, or even restructuring.
NCLB also requires schools to employ highly qualified teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree and have demonstrated subject matter knowledge and teaching skills. The law also includes provisions for supporting students with disabilities and English language learners, ensuring that they receive appropriate accommodations and services.
Critics of NCLB argue that it places too much focus on high-stakes testing and fails to account for the individual needs and strengths of students and schools. Nonetheless, the law played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape in the United States and remains a topic of discussion and debate in regards to its effectiveness and potential reforms.
