Education Act Waivers; Is Obama Wrong?

                                                 
      I will sidetrack my marketing articles to post an opinion on Obama's education waiver. Since it does go along with my Febuary 1, post on education reform.

Source: Wikipedia commons, public domain

On February 9, the Associated Press announced President Barrack Obama would grant 10 states waivers from requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This has stirred much controversy, and many question his decision. Will this destroy the education act? Was the president right in what he did? I ask myself, is all the controversy and opposition warranted? This is not what Obama needs in an election year.

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) established standards, to hold states accountable for the quality of education for all students. The act sets increases on progress until 2014, when all students must pass the exams. Fortunately, it has made schools concentrate on their job, providing a quality education to all. On the other hand, the expectations are very rigid and hard to achieve. Many good schools are showing failing numbers. This has a tendency for schools to focus on the numbers, teaching students to memorize specific information for tests. Many parents will agree that knowing and understanding the material, means more than memorizing to pass a test.  Society has shown their concern for better education, enrolling their children in private schools that concentrate on the student learning environment and less on the numbers.

There is widespread agreement between politicians that the law is successful, but needs fixing. In 2007, the bill was up for renewal. Congress continues to show no signs of addressing this. The President is taking a bold step forward to improve the original program that Congress has ignored for too long and this is commendable. On the other hand, why did it take the president all these years and finally on an election year? This can only help the opposition. 

  

As a result, many have voiced concerns that  Obama has gone too far by dodging Congress. However, according to the Department of Education, to create flexibility they have the right to present waivers to focus on student learning. These waivers give state educators flexibility on some of the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. The main objective of the law does not change but evolves. Before a state receives a waiver it must present a comprehensive plan designed to improve education for all students, increase equality, and close achievement gaps. Barack Obama utilized the opportunity available to address an issue that politicians have ignored. Many people will view this as a desperate move for votes. The issue is important, but the timing is wrong. Addressing major issues during his term, presents a positive statement that the election year decisions lack.    

 Sources:

Ben Feller, Kimberly Hefling. Yahoo News. http://news.yahoo.com/apnewsbreak-official-10-states-ed-waiver-110202341.html

U.S. Department of Education. "No Child Left Behind." http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml