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NCLB - No Child Left Behind Act
Signed into law by George W. Bush, the No Child Left Behind Act mandated student testing and increased accountability of schools to boost academic performance of all students. A special focus was on holding states and schools accountable for increasing academic performance of English language learners, minority, poor, and special needs students. This act replaced the Bilingual Education Act of 1968. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEA)
IDEA changed the IEP process and more authority was given to school personnel regarding special education placement decisions. IDEA was aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act. School districts were required to use the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach to identify students with learning disabilities. -
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA)
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) provided over 90 billion dollars for education. Approximately half of this money went to local school districts and included the Race to the Top initiative which was a 4.35 billion dollar program intended to encourage reform in K-12 schools. -
The Common Core State Standards Initiative
The Common Core State Standards Initiative was coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State Officers. These standards were expected to be adopted by most states. Curriculum is greatly modified/affected. Standards focus on college and career readiness. -
Kindergarten Readiness Act
Passed in September of 2010, the Kindergarten Readiness Act changed the kindergarten entry date to September 1 for all students so that they can enter school at the age of 5. School districts are now required to provide transitional kindergarten (TK). -
Common Core State Standards in California
Approved by the State Board if Education in March of 2012, the Common Core State Standards are adopted by the state of California. -
Too Much Testing Movement
President Obama called for limiting standardized testing to no more than 2% of class time. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
On December 9th, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is approved by the U.S. Senate. On December 10th, President Obama signs it into law. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB). States are given more control regarding school quality. -
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22nd, President Trump signs the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. A $250 limit on deductions for teacher supplies is maintained. -
Conclusion
As a kindergarten teacher in California, the knowledge that is of most worth to me is the change in California's state standards. When California adopted the Common Core State Standards in March of 2012, the scope of curriculum, instruction, and teaching in general changed drastically. It is clear that educational policy reforms and practices have evolved over time; however, only time will tell which are the best/most effective.
