Administrative Policies of the No Child Left Behind Act

On his third day in office, it appeared that the newly elected President George W. Bush would make good on his campaign pledge to make education the centerpiece of his campaign when he presented a proposal that would later become the No Child Left Behind Act.[1] What began as sweeping bipartisan reform of the American education system turned into a divisive policy pitting the educators and politicians of the nation at polar ends, bringing hope for the future to many and dismal failure today for many more. Far more than a means of assessment, the demands of the Act are putting burdensome pressure on “failing” schools, it provides the military with school children's grades long before they are eligible to enlist, and it has been a catalyst for the uprising of scores of non-profit organizations poised to bring NCLB back to the drawing board. The time for the renewal of the controversial Act is close at hand and many opponents, supporters and reformers are ready to take their stand in Washington as the issue is reopened for review.