A Single Source for "Who's Saying What" about the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

DENVER, CO -- Today the Education Commission of the States (ECS) launches its No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Reauthorization database -- a single source for "who's saying what" about renewing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

"As Congress prepares to reauthorize this far-reaching law, we wanted to take the lead in providing a tool to better inform the national debate for all interested parties," ECS President Roger Sampson said. "In my view, many of the recommendations ultimately tie back to effective leadership at the school level."

The database captures the recommendations of 15 national organizations for revising specific NCLB requirements and provisions, as well as how recent education reform priorities should be part of the NCLB discussion.

"ECS is one of the few national education policy organizations that could objectively review and analyze what influential groups are requesting as Congress moves forward," stated Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas Governor and ECS Chair. "ECS can take the pulse of our country through their unique, bird's-eye view of key education stakeholders and policymaking in every state."

According to the ECS synthesis and analysis of 15 key education policy stakeholders across 16 issues, the greatest collective agreement emerged in the following areas:

• Allow growth models for calculating Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
• Provide more flexibility for students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELL)
• Provide adequate funding to support NCLB requirements
• Build state and local capacity to assist low-performing schools
• Offer high-quality professional development
• Target assistance and interventions to the highest-need schools and students.

Several organizations also called for issues such as high school reform, school leadership and teacher effectiveness to play a more prominent role in NCLB. In addition, some recommendations mentioned the need to go beyond basic reading and math skills, and ensure students are prepared for the 21st century and global economy. Only a few organizations, however, mentioned early childhood education or school safety.

"We're pleased to have been included in the public forum as we work to ensure reauthorization provides greater innovation, capacity and research. This database will support us in getting the attention and focus necessary to best meet the needs of every student," said Gene Wilhoit, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

The database builds on a report and recommendations ECS released in 2004. "Our initial recommendations still hold true," notes Sampson. "We forecasted many issues that would surface as NCLB took root, but also have moved forward with national and state priorities."

The database can be accessed through the ECS Web site at www.ecs.org or directly at www.ecs.org/nclbreauthorization .

The Education Commission of the States is a nonpartisan, nonprofit interstate compact created by the states and the U.S. Congress that helps governors, legislators, state education officials, business leaders and others identify, develop and implement public policies to improve student learning at all levels. ECS was formed in 1965 and is located in Denver, Colorado.