Traditionally, state and local governments have been responsible for K-12 education. Federal education law has historically been narrowly focused on ensuring equal access for minorities, for women and girls, and for students with disabilities.In 2001, however, Congress passed the “No Child Left Behind Act” (“NCLB”), a sweeping reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”), which was signed by President Bush on January 8, 2002. This broad-reaching legislation greatly expands the federal role in K-12 education.
Despite the law’s noble goal of closing achievement gaps, the implementation of NCLB has been extremely complicated and controversial.
In March 2010, the Obama Administration released “A Blueprint for Reform: Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.” Assessments of the plan, including pieces by Michael A. Rebell and Richard Rothstein, can be found in on the NCLB Reauthorization Page.
This section of the Access website provides information and links to the best resources for gaining a comprehensive understanding of NCLB.
No Child Left Behind Policy Brief>>
A detailed analysis of the law and its provisions
A list of other website that provide for understanding NCLB
Includes news on implemenation, state reaction, advocacy, and litigation
NCLB Reauthorization Page>>
Reports, research papers, editorials, opinion columns, and other resources regarding the proposed 2010 reauthorization, as well as documents from the attempt to reauthorize the act in 2007.
Information on Federal Disabilities Statutes>>
Last Updated April 2010