March 28, 2024

Impact of 'No Child Left Behind' replacement still unclear

Newton superintendent said there are many provisions to review

The most comprehensive piece of federal education reform legislation in many years seems to positively address some of the major issues either created or not addressed by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.

The Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Dec. 10. While some of the everyday local implications might take some time to be fully understood, the effort by Congress and the president to reform the unpopular No Child Left Behind provisions seems to generally be appreciated.

Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said the act restores some power to the states, and, more importantly, undoes some of the damage done by NCLB.

“I’m pleased with the broad, bipartisan support for this important federal legislation to fix the flawed No Child Left Behind law,” Wise said. “Iowa — and all states — deserve a system of accountability and oversight that drives student learning and is based on growth and improvement. I appreciate that this legislation restores the proper balance between the role of states and the federal government in education accountability.”

On the more local level, the exact changes the ESSA will bring still aren’t completely clear. Newton Community School District Superintendent Bob Callaghan said a comprehensive federal education law usually has many components, and the act is no exception.

“This document is being reviewed,” Callaghan said. “It has many layers that are being discussed at multiple levels — principals, superintendents, state level, etc. I do not believe anyone (in the district) has a firm enough grasp to comment at this time.”

Callaghan said a work session or leadership workshop about the ESSA could take place in the weeks or months ahead.

The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a 359-65 vote on Dec. 2. Iowa Congressmen Dave Loebsack, Rod Blum and David Young all voted in favor of the bill, while Steve King voted against it.

Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst both voted in favor of the original Senate version of the bill, which was passed by an 81-17 count in July.

Wise said the bill’s focus on science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, is an important component.

“I support this plan because it preserves accountability and transparency, while also giving states flexibility to set goals and develop solutions that will improve student achievement,” Wise said. “Iowa has the right road map in place for education, including the most comprehensive teacher leadership system in the nation, a focus on growing STEM skills, and an effort to make sure all Iowa students are successful readers by the end of third grade.”

The No Child Left Behind provisions were scheduled for revision in 2007, and, over time, NCLB’s prescriptive requirements became increasingly unworkable for schools and educators, according to a Congressional news release about ESSA.

Paula Vincent, the Chief Administrator for the Heartland Area Education Agency, said the U.S. Department of Education will go through a lengthy rule-making process before it’s clear how the new law will affect education at the state level. However, increased flexibility among state agencies and a decreased emphasis on achievement tests seem to be positive elements.

“Broadly speaking, it’s encouraging that there seems to be an added emphasis on student growth,” Vincent said. “Being accountable to the state, more so than to federal standards, is viewed as a positive move. We’ll all have more input.”

Vincent said not much can be addressed until the U.S. Department of Education releases more specific state-level directives. However, two areas she feels Iowa educators might be anxious to learn about new provisions are whether there are high standards for all students, including ones with disabilities, and how the Title I formula affects students who live in poverty.

“We’re hopeful the rules bring a renewed emphasis on terrific work that goes on in our classrooms,” Vincent said. “The changes might be subtle but powerful, but there is some promise the states will have more authority. I guess in 10 years, we’ll know if that’s true.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com