You Have Rights

A few years ago, Congress and the President worked together to pass a law that required school districts to be accountable for teaching children in order for those districts to continue receiving federal funds. Those funds are known as the Title 1 program, which for over 35 years has provided schools nearly $1,000 per child in high-poverty areas.

After reviewing the program, the federal government found that this money did not seem to be making a difference, or was even being spent on the students in which it was intended to help. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a reauthorization of that law and was an attempt to get school districts to start making a difference. For the first time in federal law, school districts are required to show that they are making progress each year toward goals. Those goals are set by the state and each state differs, but what rings true throughout the country is that No Child Left Behind is empowering parents.

Now it's time to put all politics aside and understand what the Federal Law, No Child Left Behind means for you and your child. Below are a few of the most parent-friendly features of the law:

Report Cards: States are required to issue report cards to inform parents about a school's progress and to share specific performance information including how students in each grade are performing and how well the teachers are doing. It is these report cards that tell parents whether or not their child's school is on a "needs improvement" list.

Testing: Testing is intended to raise student achievement and level the playing field for all children. States must establish standards for reading and math and EVERY child is expected to be able to read, write, add and subtract at their grade level, regardless of their families socio-economic status.

Teacher Quality: School districts are required to notify parents of their "right to know" about the qualifications of their child's teacher. That means they should have a degree in their field and have obtained a state-approved certificate.

Choices: NCLB gives parents of children in ailing schools some important options. Once they learn that they live in a failing district and their child is not learning, parents may transfer their child to a higher performing school in the district, including charter schools.

Safety: Not only must students be in schools that teach effectively, but they must also be in safe, non-threatening environments. The law gives parents the "Unsafe School Choice Option."

For more information visit the U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov, or contact The Center for Education Reform at 1-800-521-2118 or www.edreform.com.