Statement by Jeanne Allen, President of the Center for Education Reform
A year ago landmark education legislation was signed making it possible for students in chronically failing schools to attend schools that work. For the first time in the history of federal education support, the issues of quality and accountability overcame Washington’s previous fixation on resources only.
With such a dramatic paradigm shift, it’s no wonder we have seen many districts obstruct the law since the bill was enacted. Too often they failed to notify parents of children in failing schools of their rights to choose other higher performing schools, or of their right to supplemental services. In observing how slowly districts have complied with the law’s directives, we have learned just how impervious most systems are to the kind of widespread reform that is necessary to ensure that every child receives an excellent education. Notwithstanding tough economic times, it’s vital that spending continue to be tied to consequences.
That the law has created a bit of constructive chaos is clear and a positive outcome. Parents now have a clear direction of what they should expect from schools. Districts no longer can flout the law, claiming that school improvement and giving parents options is out of their control.
The year-old landmark bill has increased the public’s demand for better, more responsive schools and while not a choice bill, No Child Left Behind clearly opens the door for expansion of this important education reform. The year milestone would be a good time to revisit how the federal government can encourage such a trend. The real impact on all of public education may not be known for years but now at least the public has a clear tool to use in their efforts to dramatically reform and improve how schools work. Kudos to those who made it happen.
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The Center for Education Reform is the leading authority for information on innovative reforms in education and works in states and communities across the country to advance the cause of educational excellence. CER celebrates its 10th Anniversary this October. For more information contact CER at 202-822-9000 or send us an email. 
