With withering criticism from states left with the task of implementing the No Child Left Behind Act but insufficient funds, the administration announced easing of standards yesterday. With 28 percent of schools failing the act’s targets, Education Secretary Rod Paige said requirements will be relaxed for students who speak English as a second language (ESL students, in the educational vernacular). The Washington Post also reports that Paige will announce a “more flexible interpretation” of what defines a “fully qualified teacher.”
The issue of underperforming schools is addressed in a book I’m now reading: The 2% Solution. (See my reading list left column.) Liberals will like Matthew Miller saying that a lot more money is needed for teacher salaries. Conservatives will like Miller’s voucher ideas and his call for doing away with teacher tenure.