Last week the Obama administration released a reauthorization blueprint for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, designed to advise lawmakers on reauthorization of his predecessor's signature education accomplishment: No Child Left Behind. Overdue for reauthorization since 2007, NCLB reform would fulfill a campaign promise and might offer an opportunity for bipartisanship after a grueling party-line health care reform battle.

Nearly everyone expects President Obama to rename the embattled 2001 federal policy, but what the new name will be is uncertain. What is included in the blueprint are a number of major changes. The Christian Science Monitor lists five key changes:

1) The goal of student proficiency in reading and math by 2014 would change to a standard of “college and career readiness” for students by 2020.

2) Although reading and math tests would remain in the administration’s proposal, schools could also include student performance in other subjects as part of overall measurements of progress.

3) Evaluations of schools would shift, being less punitive and offering more rewards.

4) More federal funding would be switched from formula-based allocations to competitive grants.

5) Schools that miss certain targets would not be required by the federal government to provide students with tutoring or with the option to transfer.

• New York Times: Obama Calls for Major Change in Education Law
• Wall Street Journal: Obama Outlines Sweeping Education Revamp
• USA Today: Duncan wants 3 ratings for schools in education overhaul
• Politico: Unions disappointed by ed. bill
• EdWeek: Administration Unveils ESEA Renewal Blueprint
• The Heritage Foundation: ESEA Reauthorization Blueprint: Another Federal Overreach

AAE members are surveyed on education issues as a benefit of membership and in the coming weeks AAE will conduct an in-depth survey on the NCLB reauthorization. Stay tuned.

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