TITLE From the Capital to the Classroom: State and Federal Efforts To Implement the No Child Left Behind Act.

This study examines how the federal government and states prepare to implement the No Child Left Behind Act. Researchers reviewed states ' consolidated applications for federal grants; conducted telephone interviews with officials in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 8 school districts; and reviewed relevant research. The study addresses assessment and accountability; public school choice and supplemental education services requirements; teacher and paraprofessional quality; and use of scientifically based research to improve education. Overall, states are committed to the Act's goals of raising achievement for all subgroups and enhancing teacher quality and working to implement the law, though its deadlines for making massive changes are short and final regulations on some key issues were late in coming from the Department of Education. The main challenge states face are creating plans for determining whether schools are making adequate yearly progress in raising achievement. States and district