Does NCLB work?

I am interested in collecting information regarding No Child Left Behind.

I am a change of career teacher having spent many years in industry. Now that I have been teaching high school for the past 3 years, I have come to believe that the plan was never fully thought out and that it does not work.

My physics class is an inclusive class mixing bright students with lower achievers. Without support, I must try and keep the high achievers interested while attempting to keep the slower students on task.

District Wide Benchmark Assessments are given to ensure that students meet a minimum proficiency and if a school's scores are low, teachers may be called to task.

So, the question is, "Does NCLB Work?"

Anyone may respond but I am most interested in teacher's opinions.

Also, if you think in can be made better, please state how.

Technology In The Classroom

I have spent 35 years as a hardware computer designer, so it goes without saying that I am a technogeek. I preface my comments so there is no doubt that I am an advocate of technology in the classroom. But, there can be a down side. We have created a society that demands instant gratification. If we need to contact someone, there is no need to wait, we reach in our pockets and call. If we need a new shirt, computer, cell phone, etc., we get on the computer and order it. If we our really in a hurry, we have it shipped over night. Need a video, download it, need a new tune, download it, need to research a topic, Google it. My point is this. We have created a society in which instant gratification is normal and I am afraid that if our students can't find what they need within a few minutes, they give up.

In past years, persistence usually won out and the pursuer of a dream was eventually rewarded. More importantly, however, the sweat that preceded major discoveries often yielded accidental discoveries that have altered the course of history. We must be on guard that, while our goal may be to enlighten our students, we do not rob them of the joy of unexpected discovery, borne out of the persistent pursuit of their original goal.

Grade Inflation - Who Benefits

Teachers are under ever increasing pressure to improve scores. This blog is intended to solicit opinions and experiences that teachers may have encountered on this sensitive subject.
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