NCLB

In support of President Obama’s new education strategy, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, discusses the benefits of eliminating or changing No Child Left Behind. One topic touched on during the interview was the idea of rewarding high-achieving schools, rather than punishing low-achieving schools. The government plans on disbursing $3.9 billion to districts in hopes that schools become higher achieving. Schools that are lacking in performance and are in communities with a low socioeconomic status need money to improve their schools, and ultimately increase their students’ academic progress. However, the environment surrounding the school, family support, and after school programs also play a vital role in the academic progress and achievement of students.

Communities need to support their kids’ education, which means putting money into the community in which they attend school. Kids do not learn as well in schools that lack resources and involvement from the outside community. The students who suffer the most are the ones from families with low socioeconomic status. It is easier for these kids to fall behind in classes because they do not receive the same amount of academic and social support. I think that funding for after school programs and putting money into the community can help decrease this problem. When the buildings and landscape of the surrounding community is dangerous and/or run-down, it can result in a negative reputation for schools within that community as well as an environment that is not conducive for optimal academic success.