Teachers unions are looking to DC policy makers to fix what they say is an unfunded mandate. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 was reauthorized in 2001 by President Bush, establishing No Child Left Behind. Since then some Wisconsin schools have fared better than others under the standards.

 

 

Mary Bell, President of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), says although the Act has provided good information, “it’s an inadequate measure of what students know and are able to do.” There are additional concerns that the federal mandate is unfunded and causes schools to divert local funds necessary for teaching, to pay for the NCLB testing.

The White House has proposed massive changes to the law. WEAC and the National Education Association is hoping Congress will correct the so-called funding shortfalls.

Earlier this month, much to the dismay of the NEA, the US Supreme Court turned down a request to review a decision centering on a Michigan school district’s lawsuit. The suit questioned whether public schools should have to comply with NCLB requirements if the federal government does not pay for it.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:07)

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