Education Commission of the States

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National Governors Association (NGA)
Summary of Recommendations
NCLB Reauthorization

To better inform the national debate on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reauthorization, ECS collected and synthesized recommendations by national organizations to improve the federal law.

ECS' database is organized around 16 issue areas that captured most recommendations. Some organizations did not offer recommendations for all issues, at least according to our analysis. And several recommendations appear more than once since they applied to multiple issue areas.

The summary of the National Governors Association's (NGA) original recommendations are listed in this report. Please see the main database page for additional reports.

Highlights
Issues addressed: 13 of 16
Adequate Yearly Progress; Assessment, Standards and Curriculum; Capacity Building, Innovation and Research & Development; Consequences and Interventions; Data Systems and Reporting; English Language Learners; Finance; Other Programs; Safe Schools; Students with Disabilities; Supplemental Education Services; Teaching Quality; and Miscellaneous/Overarching.

Issues not addressed: 3 of 16
Early Childhood; High Schools; and School Leadership.

Areas of emphasis:
Other Programs; Adequate Yearly Progress; and Assessment, Standards and Curriculum.

Source:
ECW-02. Education Reform Policy (Revised March 2006)

Visit ECS' Database on NCLB reauthorization main page for more information, explanations and access to organizations' original reports. Please note that ECS plans to expand the database as more information becomes available.

Database Last Updates: July 2007

This database was created and compiled by Mary Fulton, ECS policy analyst.
For questions and comments: 303.299.3679 or mfulton@ecs.org

NCLB Reauthorization : National Governors Association (NGA)

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

AYP 1 - Summary of Recommendation Determine accountability measures at the state level, not the federal level.

AYP 2 - Summary of Recommendation Use voluntary value-added or growth models to determine AYP.

AYP 3 - Summary of Recommendation Provide flexibility in AYP to give ELL students time to overcome language barriers and make academic gains. Ensure ELL gains are reflected in school data.

AYP 4 - Summary of Recommendation Refine AYP to reflect the academic progress of students with disabilities.

AYP 5 - Summary of Recommendation Prevent use of NAEP as state proficiency measurement, substitute for state assessment or for rewards/sanctions; consult with governors before mandating 12th grade NAEP assessment; and ensure NAEP expenses are reimbursed.

Assessment, Standards and Curriculum (ASC)

ASC 1 - Summary of Recommendation Approve state plans related to any new NCLB assessment requirements if plans meet goals of federal accountability policies.

ASC 2 - Summary of Recommendation Encourage students to pursue math and science careers through rigorous curricula, research and development systems, and accountability for students and teachers.

ASC 3 - Summary of Recommendation Continue funding for student and family literacy initiatives.

ASC 4 - Summary of Recommendation Develop federal initiatives to educate a more knowledgeable citizenry through subjects such as history, geography and civics.

ASC 5 - Summary of Recommendation Prevent use of NAEP as state proficiency measurement, substitute for state assessment or for rewards/sanctions; consult with governors before mandating 12th grade NAEP assessment; and ensure NAEP expenses are reimbursed.

Capacity Building, Innovation and Research & Development (CIRD)

CIRD 1 - Summary of Recommendation Provide states authority, time and flexibility to assist low performing schools, and provide resources to build state capacity for these efforts.

CIRD 2 - Summary of Recommendation Target Title I funds to schools with highest concentration of low-income students and assist state efforts to close achievement gaps among student subgroups.

CIRD 3 - Summary of Recommendation Encourage students to pursue math and science careers through rigorous curricula, strong educational and research and development systems, and accountability for students and teachers.

CIRD 4 - Summary of Recommendation Support and maintain funding for Innovative Programs under NCLB, which provides flexible funds to help raise student achievement.

Consequences and Interventions (CI)

CI 1 - Summary of Recommendation Offer states rewards or incentives for raising student performance and holding schools to high standards.

CI 2 - Summary of Recommendation Allow states to offer SES before providing school choice.

CI 3 - Summary of Recommendation Provide states authority, time and flexibility to assist low performing schools, and provide resources to build state capacity for these efforts.

CI 4 - Summary of Recommendation
Target Title I funds to schools with highest concentration of low-income students and assist state efforts to close achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Data Systems and Reporting (DSR)

DSR 1 - Summary of Recommendation Promote, reward and fund state P-16 data collection systems, and align NCLB with other federal education data requirements.

Early Childhood Education (ECE)

ECE 1 - Summary of Recommendation No recommendations identified for this issue.

English Language Learners (ELL)

ELL 1 - Summary of Recommendation Provide flexibility in AYP to give ELL students time to overcome language barriers and make academic gains. Ensure ELL gains are reflected in school data.

Funding Issues (FI)

FI 1 - Summary of Recommendation Fund real costs of achieving proficiency for all students, invest in effective education reforms, and do not withhold funding from struggling schools or states.

FI 2 - Summary of Recommendation Reduce and streamline NCLB administrative costs and burdens on states to save federal dollars.

High Schools (HS)

HS 1 - Summary of Recommendation No recommendations identified for this issue.

Other Programs (OP)

OP 1 - Summary of Recommendation Continue investing in programs, such as assistive technology and E-Rate, that support 21st century skills attainment.

OP 2 - Summary of Recommendation Support distance learning and provide state technical assistance to expand such programs.

OP 3 - Summary of Recommendation Support continued funding of student and family literacy initiatives.

OP 4 - Summary of Recommendation Allow states to use federal funds for parent involvement in schools and in collaboration with other agencies.

OP 5 - Summary of Recommendation Support state efforts that promote healthy and nutritional school programs, and give states flexibility to coordinate human services to meet students' multiple needs.

OP 6 - Summary of Recommendation Continue adequate funding for Impact Aid to avoid unfunded mandate on states/districts.

OP 7 - Summary of Recommendation Support and expand school construction bond program to upgrade and modernize educational facilities.

Safe Schools (SS)

SS 1 - Summary of Recommendation Continue funding for school safety and drug abuse prevention and allow state agencies to coordinate federal funds for these programs.

School Leadership (SL)

SL 1 - Summary of Recommendation No recommendations identified for this issue.

Students with Disabilities (SWD)

SWD 1 - Summary of Recommendation Refine AYP to reflect the academic progress of students with disabilities.

Supplemental Education Services (SES)

SES 1 - Summary of Recommendation Allow states offer SES before providing school choice.

Teaching Quality (TQ)

TQ 1 - Summary of Recommendation Support states' efforts to create highly qualified teacher workforce, and ensure professional development is aligned with states standards and improves student achievement.

TQ 2 - Summary of Recommendation Support strategies to encourage excellent teachers to accept challenging assignments, but do not create federal programs linking teacher preparation with student performance.

TQ 3 - Summary of Recommendation Provide flexibility for teachers of multiple subjects in high-need areas, particularly for special education and rural teachers.

Miscellaneous/Overarching (Misc.)

Misc. 1 - Summary of Recommendation Recognize and reinforce governors' role in education and require state education departments to consult with governors on NCLB.

Misc. 2 - Summary of Recommendation Create a P-16 alignment of NCLB's goals and requirements with other federal education and workforce laws.

Misc. 3 - Summary of Recommendation Grant secretary of education enhanced NCLB waiver authority for unforeseen circumstances, such as emergencies, natural disasters or economic downturns.

© 2008 by the Education Commission of the States (ECS). All rights reserved. ECS is a nonprofit interstate compact that helps state leaders shape education policy.

To request permission to excerpt part of this publication, either in print or electronically, please fax a request to the attention of the ECS Communications Department, 303.296.8332 or e-mail ecs@ecs.org.

Helping State Leaders Shape Education Policy

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
AYP 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Determine accountability measures at the state level, not the federal level.
AYP 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Use voluntary value-added or growth models to determine AYP.
AYP 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Provide flexibility in AYP to give ELL students time to overcome language barriers and make academic gains. Ensure ELL gains are reflected in school data.
AYP 4 - Summary of Recommendation	Refine AYP to reflect the academic progress of students with disabilities.
AYP 5 - Summary of Recommendation	Prevent use of NAEP as state proficiency measurement, substitute for state assessment or for rewards/sanctions; consult with governors before mandating 12th grade NAEP assessment; and ensure NAEP expenses are reimbursed.
Assessment, Standards and Curriculum (ASC)
ASC 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Approve state plans related to any new NCLB assessment requirements if plans meet goals of federal accountability policies.
ASC 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Encourage students to pursue math and science careers through rigorous curricula, research and development systems, and accountability for students and teachers.
ASC 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Continue funding for student and family literacy initiatives.
ASC 4 - Summary of Recommendation	Develop federal initiatives to educate a more knowledgeable citizenry through subjects such as history, geography and civics.
ASC 5 - Summary of Recommendation	Prevent use of NAEP as state proficiency measurement, substitute for state assessment or for rewards/sanctions; consult with governors before mandating 12th grade NAEP assessment; and ensure NAEP expenses are reimbursed.
Capacity Building, Innovation and Research & Development (CIRD)
CIRD 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Provide states authority, time and flexibility to assist low performing schools, and provide resources to build state capacity for these efforts.
CIRD 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Target Title I funds to schools with highest concentration of low-income students and assist state efforts to close achievement gaps among student subgroups.
CIRD 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Encourage students to pursue math and science careers through rigorous curricula, strong educational and research and development systems, and accountability for students and teachers.
CIRD 4 - Summary of Recommendation	Support and maintain funding for Innovative Programs under NCLB, which provides flexible funds to help raise student achievement.
Consequences and Interventions (CI)
CI 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Offer states rewards or incentives for raising student performance and holding schools to high standards.
CI 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Allow states to offer SES before providing school choice.
CI 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Provide states authority, time and flexibility to assist low performing schools, and provide resources to build state capacity for these efforts.
CI 4 - Summary of Recommendation	Target Title I funds to schools with highest concentration of low-income students and assist state efforts to close achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Data Systems and Reporting (DSR)
DSR 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Promote, reward and fund state P-16 data collection systems, and align NCLB with other federal education data requirements.
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
ECE 1 - Summary of Recommendation	No recommendations identified for this issue.
English Language Learners (ELL)
ELL 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Provide flexibility in AYP to give ELL students time to overcome language barriers and make academic gains. Ensure ELL gains are reflected in school data.
Funding Issues (FI)
FI 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Fund real costs of achieving proficiency for all students, invest in effective education reforms, and do not withhold funding from struggling schools or states.
FI 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Reduce and streamline NCLB administrative costs and burdens on states to save federal dollars.
High Schools (HS)
HS 1 - Summary of Recommendation	No recommendations identified for this issue.
Other Programs (OP)
OP 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Continue investing in programs, such as assistive technology and E-Rate, that support 21st century skills attainment.
OP 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Support distance learning and provide state technical assistance to expand such programs.
OP 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Support continued funding of student and family literacy initiatives.
OP 4 - Summary of Recommendation	Allow states to use federal funds for parent involvement in schools and in collaboration with other agencies.
OP 5 - Summary of Recommendation	Support state efforts that promote healthy and nutritional school programs, and give states flexibility to coordinate human services to meet students' multiple needs.
OP 6 - Summary of Recommendation	Continue adequate funding for Impact Aid to avoid unfunded mandate on states/districts.
OP 7 - Summary of Recommendation	Support and expand school construction bond program to upgrade and modernize educational facilities.
Safe Schools (SS)
SS 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Continue funding for school safety and drug abuse prevention and allow state agencies to coordinate federal funds for these programs.
School Leadership (SL)
SL 1 - Summary of Recommendation	No recommendations identified for this issue.
Students with Disabilities (SWD)
SWD 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Refine AYP to reflect the academic progress of students with disabilities.
Supplemental Education Services (SES)
SES 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Allow states offer SES before providing school choice.
Teaching Quality (TQ)
TQ 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Support states' efforts to create highly qualified teacher workforce, and ensure professional development is aligned with states standards and improves student achievement.
TQ 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Support strategies to encourage excellent teachers to accept challenging assignments, but do not create federal programs linking teacher preparation with student performance.
TQ 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Provide flexibility for teachers of multiple subjects in high-need areas, particularly for special education and rural teachers.
Miscellaneous/Overarching (Misc.)
Misc. 1 - Summary of Recommendation	Recognize and reinforce governors' role in education and require state education departments to consult with governors on NCLB.
Misc. 2 - Summary of Recommendation	Create a P-16 alignment of NCLB's goals and requirements with other federal education and workforce laws.
Misc. 3 - Summary of Recommendation	Grant secretary of education enhanced NCLB waiver authority for unforeseen circumstances, such as emergencies, natural disasters or economic downturns.