Short description:

Providing a comprehensive evaluation of NCLB, this book examines test-based accountability, considers state-level capacity to carry out mandates, and discusses ideas for improving the law.

Long description:

"This text offers valuable information for understanding the intent of NCLB, the positive effects of the legislation, the shortcomings of NCLB as currently authorized, and specific recommendations for improvements."
?Dolores Gribouski, Principal
Columbus Park Elementary School, Worcester, MA

A provocative examination of NCLB and how it can be improved.

The pending reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has generated a spirited debate among educators. In this volume, a team of noted education scholars assess NCLB's performance-based system and the challenges of improving NCLB in order to meet the goals of the law.

This edited resource by Gail L. Sunderman provides a comprehensive evaluation of NCLB and discusses options for modifying the legislation. With contributions from Gary Orfield, Linda Darling-Hammond, Catherine Snow, Robert Linn, and Daniel Koretz, among others, Holding NCLB Accountable examines the themes of capacity, accountability, school reform, and the law's impact on educating all students, especially those from low-income and diverse backgrounds. This groundbreaking work assesses the efficacy of NCLB test-based accountability and responds to critical questions such as: 

• How do we develop assessments and accountability systems that assist rather than interfere with educational progress?
• How do we promote change without being counterproductive?
• How do we create a viable educational agenda that is mindful of state and local capacity?

Presenting a range of perspectives, the contributors identify how to revise NCLB in ways that will mitigate the negative aspects of the law and promote the conditions necessary for meaningful student learning.

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgments
About the Editor
About the Contributors
Introduction
Part I. NCLB and Accountability
1. The Pending Reauthorization of NCLB: An Opportunity to Rethink the Basic Strategy - Daniel Koretz
2. Toward a More Effective Definition of Adequate Yearly Progress - Robert L. Linn
3. Beyond Standardization in School Accountability - Mindy L. Kornhaber
4. Promises and Pitfalls: Implications of No Child Left Behind for Defining, Assessing, and Serving English Language Learners - Michael J. Kieffer, Nonie K. Lesaux, Catherine E. Snow
Part II. Evidence on How NCLB Is Working
5. Tracking Achievement Gaps and Assessing the Impact of NCLB on the Gaps: An In-Depth Look Into National and State Reading and Math Outcome Trends - Jaekyung Lee
6. Evidence on Education Under NCLB (and How Florida Boosted NAEP Scores and Reduced the Race Gap) - Walter M. Haney
Part III. State Capacity to Implement NCLB
7. Interstate Inequality in Educational Opportunity - Goodwin Liu
8. Massive Responsibilities and Limited Resources: The State Response - Gail L. Sunderman, Gary Orfield
9. Low-Performing Schools Programs and State Capacity Requirements: Meeting the NCLB Educational Goals - Heinrich Mintrop
Part IV. NCLB: Impact on School Reform and Effects on Minority Students and Schools
10. No Child Left Behind and High School Reform - Linda Darling-Hammond
11. No Child Left Behind and Continuous School Improvement - Willis D. Hawley
12. No Child Left Behind and Reforming the Nation?s Lowest-Performing High Schools: Help, Hindrance, or Unrealized Potential? - Robert Balfanz, Nettie Legters
13. Reforming High Schools to Reduce Dropout Rates - Russell W. Rumberger
Conclusion - Gail L. Sunderman
Index