No Child Left Behind Changes

For five years, teachers around the country have asked for changes to a law that many say is too tough on students.  Now alterations to the No Child Left Behind Law could finally come.

A national bi-partisan commission set up to review the law released its recommendations Tuesday. 

And even though it includes 75 changes, we found some local administrators say it's still missing a very important one.

Remember, President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Law in 2002 with the intent of providing a better education for all children.

But, many local educators say its unattainable standards often discourage kids.

For example, the law currently requires all students, even those with physical or mental disabilities, to meet proficient scholastic standards by 2014.

Educators say while many kids try their hardest on the exams, that's just not reasonable.

None of the national commission's recommendations involve removing that requirement.

It did suggest more strict reviews of teachers and principals, and additional training for those who need it.

"I think that's a strong piece,” said Superintendent of Republic Public Schools Dr. Pam Hedgpeth.  “The only concern I have is some items will be cost factors and I'm here to tell you the federal money we've received over the past few years has decreased.  So I just hope if there's higher expectations as far as professional development, there's money to go along with that."

Here are a few more of the No Child Left Behind Commission's recommendations: test students on science along with mathematics and reading, twelfth graders should also be tested before graduation, track each student's performance on the exams for year to year and require states to set goals for increasing the graduation rate.

Several education experts including university professors as well as a hand full of politicians were on the Commission.  That is why many believe these recommendations will make a difference when the legislature considers reauthorizing the act this year.