Let's get it right

To the editor

From Joseph Coladonato

Published in Newsday (10/02/2007)

I agree with Nancy Close, president of the East Islip teachers union, that the No Child Left Behind Act is too focused on high-stakes exams and not on the true progress of individual children ["An educator's lesson for Congress, Opinion, Sept. 25].

Although touted as this administration's greatest achievement, the act is misguided and cruel. In observing the quagmire this administration has created for education, a couple of things are evident. First, taking money away from failing schools is similar to taking a book away from a child who can't read. Second, the act pays too much attention to proficiency and not enough on the value of individual progress. Last, federal mandates need federal funding.

Let's get it right the second time, President Bush.

Consider the folks on the front lines.

Editor's note: The writer is a public school teacher.

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