No Child Left Behind

None of us wants ANY child to be "left behind."  The mess caused by this "program" however, will take time to heal.  For one thing, all children do not and can not learn at the same speed or in the same way.  Trying to make children all fit into the same round hole causes too many problems to list.

Children who do and can learn faster should be allowed the opportunity to do so.  In an effort to make everything "equal" we have actually penalized many bright children by forcing them to sit bored in classrooms while their teachers struggle to assist those who are on a slower learning curve.

Just as not everyone is capable of or even wants to be a doctor or lawyer, not every child is capable of or wants to attend a four year college in academics.  There are technical schools and colleges and trade schools to meet the needs of all students.

Standardized tests forcing schools to make sure all children pass or meet certain standards, have been a disaster and I am glad to see this is finally about to end.  We definitely need to improve education in this Country, but No Child Left Behind has not contributed to improving school systems as a whole.

Parents must also take an interest in their children's education.  Learning begins at home, and the desire to keep learning and growing must be fostered at home.  Just as in discipline, many of today's parents believe it is just the responsibility of the school system.  Responsibility for caring for a child and fostering his development begins the day that child is conceived.  It is not to be taken lightly.

I am happy to see No Child Left Behind disappearing.  Perhaps now our school systems can work together to develop a plan for better educating children at all levels of learning.