NCLB reauthorization. Is there common ground?
The fate of former President George W. Bush's baby, the No Child Left Behind Act, is unclear these days. Although crafted through bi-partisan action to much fanfare, the way it played out "on the ground" provoked controversy from the start. It's now unpopular with most everyone. Teachers, principals, superintendents, school boards, parents, children's advocates, and politicians on both sides of the aisle. Some never liked it and use its original name, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. And although everyone agrees it needs to be fixed, few can agree how best to do it. The disagreements seem to come down to how one defines the role of the federal government in public education. And we all know that's a touchy subject these days. But, I still believe there is common ground. If everyone starts genuinely and respectfully listening to one other. And if observers and commentators acknowledge the complexities and nuances of the politics involved.
In today's Washington Post, conservative columnist George F. Will writes about Rep. John Kline (R-MN) and his new duty as chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. He's a former Marine who wants a "greatly reduced federal footprint in primary and secondary education," who "promises that the current system of
In today's Washington Post, conservative columnist George F. Will writes about Rep. John Kline (R-MN) and his new duty as chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. He's a former Marine who wants a "greatly reduced federal footprint in primary and secondary education," who "promises that the current system of