The Benefits and Detriments of the No Child Left Behind Act

his paper explores positive and negative features within and surrounding the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). NCLB requires that all students of any race, gender, and ability level to excel in reading and math by 2014 and that schools should build up to that goal by measuring achievement. There are many criticisms of NCLB but there are some instances of NCLB actually helping to improve achievement scores. One topic explored is NCLB’s “highly qualified teacher” requirement. Specifically, whether its definition of a highly qualified teacher is a good one. Another issue addressed is NCLB’s use of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as a measurement for achievement. Critics say that it is an inaccurate measurement. If a school fails to meet AYP multiple times, it is required to restructure the system; this paper also addresses if restructuring methods are effective. The paper also focuses on the importance AYP places on minority students that has given much needed attention to these students who need better quality education. Overall, the paper highlights the positive and negative aspects of NCLB to bring attention towards the need to mend the act. During his first term, former President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Ac