What is NCLB 2001?

    No Child Left Behind (NCLB) 2001 is President George W. Bush's education reform bill that was signed into law on January 8, 2002.

    This law dramatically increases the role of the federal government in guaranteeing the quality of public education for all children.

    This law focuses on:
    • Increased funding for poor districts
    • Higher achievement for poor and minority students
    • New accountability measures for students' progress
    • Dramatically expanding the role of standardized testing in schools

Reform Principles of NCLB

  • Accountability: Guaranteeing Quality Public Education
  • Flexibility: Local Control for Local Challenges
  • Research-Based Reforms: Using Scientifically Proven Methods
  • Parental Options: Choices for Parents

How will states measure progress for schools & students?

  • States will set targets in reading and math (AYP).
  • States will test every child in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math.
  • The Federal government will provide funding to states to design and implement tests.

What is AYP?

    Adequate Yearly Progress represents the annual academic performance targets in reading and math that schools, districts and the State must reach to be considered on track.

    The ultimate goal of AYP is to have all students proficient in reading and math by 2014.

How does a school make AYP?

    Schools must prove (via test scores) that they are on target to reach 100% proficiency for all students by 2014.

    Year 2002
    to
    2004     		2005
    to
    2007     		2008
    to
    2010     		2011 2012 2013 2014
    Students
    READING
    Proficiently    		 45% 54% 63% 72% 81% 91% 100%
    Students
    MATH
    Proficient     		35% 45% 56% 67% 78% 89% 100%

What if AYP isn't met?

    School Improvement (1st, 2nd year)
    Corrective Action (3rd year)
    Possible Restructuring (4th year)

What is SAFE HARBOR?

    Safe Harbor provides another option to schools not making AYP.

    If a school does not make AYP, it can fulfill its progress requirement by doing the following:
    1. Decrease by 10% the number of students who do not meet standards
      AND
      Meet state threshold for graduation rate (for high schools)

      2. OR

    2. Meet state targets for attendance rates (for elementary/middle schools)

Information for Parents

No Child Left Behind provides options to parents by giving them information on how their child, their school, and their school district is achieving academically.

How will I know how my school is doing?

    Parents will receive a Report Card on their school.

    NCLB requires that school districts give parents detailed reports on which schools are succeeding and why.

    The school report will break down student achievement by:

      Race Ethnicity
      Gender Low-income status
      Disability status Migrant status
      English language proficiency

    This report card will also provide important information on the professional qualifications of teachers at your child's school.

    If a school is identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or possible restructuring, NCLB requires that the district notify parents.

    Districts are also required to inform parents on how they can get involved in school improvement efforts at their school.

What if my school does not improve?

    Schools that do not improve will receive extra help with planning and technical assistance. After receiving extra help, schools that do not improve may be restructured.

Options for Parents

    If a school continues to fail for three consecutive years, parents have the right to transfer their child to a successful public school, including a charter school.

    If a school has failed for three consecutive years, parents of disadvantaged students also have the right to:

      Supplemental Educational Services (SES) paid for by the school district.

      SES includes after-school tutoring in Reading and Math.

      PLEASE NOTE: If you do choose to transfer your child to a new school, your child will not be eligible for Supplemental Educational Services that they could have received at their original school.

Supplemental Educational Srvcs.

    PA Department of Education (PDE) must approve Supplemental Educational Service providers.

    PDE currently has a list of approved SES providers.

    The provider list is on the PDE website at: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/nclb

Safeguard for Parents & Students

    If a school is designated by the state as persistently dangerous, parents have the right to:

      Request a transfer to another public school.

TIPS for Parents

    Parents must be full partners in their child's education.
    • Talk to your child about the importance of his/her abilities and personal attributes.
    • Discuss the importance of trying your best and developing academic skills.
    • Talk to your child about the importance of school attendance.
    • Remind your child how their attendance record affects the entire school.
    • Make sure your child attends school everyday.
    • Find out what tests are given in your child's school and when.
    • Talk to your child about tests and what they mean.
    • Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before the test.

    GET INVOLVED!

    NCLB has specific requirements on Parent Involvement.

    Visit the NCLB website: www.nclb.org
    School District of Philadelphia Website: www.philasd.org

    For more information, contact The School District of Philadelphia's
    Parent Helpline: 215-400-4000