Virginia Left Behind

Also, check out this related piece: "Virginia Schools Criticize No Child Left Behind Rule for English Learners The operative question is--"More costly for whom?"-Angela

Virginia Left Behind
Opting out of No Child Left Behind would be a costly mistake

Thursday, March 6, 2008; A20

LEGISLATION is progressing in the Virginia General Assembly that would
pull the state out of the No Child Left Behind law's oversight. No
matter that the law has helped boost student learning and narrow the
achievement gap, that schools are more accountable, and that students
who go to failing schools now have options. Not even the threatened
loss of millions of dollars in federal education aid seems to worry
lawmakers more intent on making political points than good public
policy.

Both the House and Senate passed bills that would drop Virginia from
the federal education program unless the U.S. Education Department
waives some requirements. The legislation directs the state Board of
Education to come up with a plan for withdrawal, with one version even
setting a deadline of June 30, 2009. Del. R. Steven Landes
(R-Augusta), a sponsor of the House bill, said that he hopes to
clarify it so that the legislature would have to act again to sign off
on any withdrawal. The bills are in conference, where one hopes that
they will die as the legislature rushes to adjourn. Gov. Timothy M.
Kaine (D) has said he won't support the measure, and the state board,
while wanting more flexibility, doesn't favor a state withdrawal. They
undoubtedly are mindful that Virginia would stand to lose an estimated
$300 million a year, a hole in the state budget that couldn't be
tolerated. Nonetheless, the bills passed by overwhelming margins, a
product of Republicans averse to federal involvement and Democrats
mindful of teachers unions' opposition to No Child Left Behind. The
result could produce the dubious distinction of Virginia becoming the
first state to try to opt out of the landmark bill.

The initiative isn't all that surprising, given Virginia's past
complaints about the law and the state's efforts to seek exemptions.
Most notable was its ill-advised rebellion over the testing of
children with limited proficiency in English. The state eventually
backed down in the face of a loss of federal funds, but the reluctance
to hold all students to the same standards says much about why No
Child Left Behind is needed. The federal law surely has flaws, but
Virginia lawmakers are kidding themselves in claiming that state
practices are sufficient. Until No Child Left Behind came along,
school districts were able to mask the low achievement of poor and
minority students, there was no recourse for parents and children in
failing schools, and no one was held accountable. In passing the
measures, lawmakers talked about sending a message to Washington. Too
bad it's one that ignores the interests of children.