Education Bill Creates Federal Reading Program, Annual Testing
President Bush signed into law a major K-12 education reform bill with new school/college links and an array of new testing requirements for elementary and middle school students.
Bush signed the Leave No Child Behind Act after the House and Senate bridged differences on competing proposals just before Christmas. The bill also creates a new federal reading program and strengthens teacher-training services. Low-performing schools will get more aid but also face more accountability in promoting achievement.
Education Secretary Dr. Roderick Paige says the law will bring a major shift to K-12 education. “For too long, many of our schools did a good job educating some of our children. With this new law, we’ll make sure we’re providing all of our children with access to a high-quality education.”
Paige says his department will be “a full partner” with states and schools to put the law into action. A major element of the bill calls for testing all children in core academic subjects annually from third though eighth grade. For more information, visit the Education Department Web site at <www.ed.gov>.
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