'No Child' tests draw fire from parents, teachers; Congress plans overhaul of controversial program
By Emily Udell
Teachers, parents and community activists were among those gathered in the gym at Cochran Elementary School yesterday to voice their concerns about the No Child Left Behind Act as Congress prepares to overhaul it.
"We just spent every week, day after day, talking about tests," said Paula Slatkin, who taught in the Jefferson County Public School system for nearly 21 years.
"School is just not fun, and if children are going to learn, it's going to have to be a little bit fun," she said.
Slatkin was among those who came to offer their views to U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd, and to local officials as Congress gears up to revise the federal education law.
"My primary concern is that we don't become a nation of test-takers, but a nation of learners," said Yarmuth, who serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Many of the attendees said No Child Left Behind's emphasis on test-taking constrains teachers and takes the fun out of learning.
But Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman said that some testing can help track schools' progress in reading and math.
"Where tests are useful is when you can get good diagnostic information," he said.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, one of the aims of No Child Left Behind is to close the achievement gap and ensure all students reach academic proficiency. Annual "report cards" inform parents and communities about school progress. Schools that don't make progress must take corrective actions and, if they still aren't making adequate progress after five years, dramatic changes must be made.
Berman and Yarmuth said a new version of No Child Left Behind, which was signed into law in January 2002, could decrease the emphasis on test-taking and reduce consequences for schools that don't meet certain standards, possibly by introducing standards that measure progress.
Myrdin Thompson, president of the Byck Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, said that she was concerned that some students were not receiving enough reading instruction to succeed at college, and said families were struggling to fill in the gaps.
"When a parent has to struggle to buy milk or put gas in the car, the last thing they have on their mind is a new book," she said, holding her 2-year-old daughter in her arms.
Other concerns mentioned last night were the lack of funds for arts and other programs, large class sizes and access to educational opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
9/3/2008
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