The Future of NCLB and the Blue Print for Reform?

Sam Dillon wrote an interesting article in the NY Times "Education Secretary May Agree to Waivers on ‘No Child’ Law Requirements." 


Under NCLB it said that in 2014 100% of public schools in the US would have students at proficiency in reading and math. However, as stated in the article:"In March, Mr. Duncan predicted that the law would classify 80,000 of the nation’s 100,000 public schools as failing this fall unless it was amended."

To help with this, Arne Duncan has said that if Congress does not act by this coming Fall to pass education legislation he will provide waivers to states who have not met the requirements of NCLB. This has caused much controversy of over stepping boundaries and the role of the legislative branch.

Yes, it points to that, but it points to so much more. 80,000 schools? 80,000 schools in this country are not at proficiency in reading and math in this country? We as a country are failing 80,000 schools and those children who attend them. Our Congress is failing 80,000 schools by not passing new legislation that provides a more structured, flexible, and innovative education system.

Lets get this out there. Blue Print for Reform is not the be all of great education legislation out there. It has its faults and issues that need to be looked at. This is true, but it attempts to help with some of the issues NCLB created or further progressed, especially the issue of the "passing" or "failing" school.

It is just a sad state that this country is in when states decide to cut back on education and the federal government spends money on wars. Or the fact that federal dollars go to other countries when we can not guarantee a child a place in their own state, be them immigrated, minority, middle class, or refugee. Of the fact that not just with education, but that we have to even consider a budget when we look at disaster relief. There are certain things the government of the United States of America should be able to provide for its citizens, no matter their perceived identity.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Think about it Congress sometimes. I feel like you have forgotten what this country was supposed to stand for. I think we have all forgotten what we are supposed to stand for.