American Federation of Teachers Urges NCLB Changes

BOSTON – Delegates to the American Federation of Teachers convention voted overwhelmingly Saturday on a resolution urging constructive changes to the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), including the requirement that states use only valid and reliable tests.

 The resolution noted that the AFT has been a steadfast supporter for high learning standards but that there is growing frustration over the federal government’s implementation of the law.

 The resolution calls on the AFT to urge the U.S. Department of Education to require states to use only valid and reliable tests so that educational needs can be identified and appropriate professional development provided.  In an AFT report released earlier this week, “Smart Testing: Let’s Get It Right,” the AFT found that many states do not align their tests to strong content standards.   

The resolution also recommends that the AFT:

• Call on Congress to fully fund NCLB;
• Urge Congress to extend the date when all students must achieve proficiency until full funding and appropriate tests are in place in all states;
• Strenuously oppose the redirection of federal resources from public schools to private providers;
• Urge the Department of Education to implement federal policy on using an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards for students with disabilities and to eliminate arbitrary limits on the percent of students allowed to be included in a state’s accountability system for calculating adequate yearly progress;
• Urge the Department of Education to establish a federal policy that enables English language learners to be included in a state’s assessment and accountability system in a fair and valid manner; and
• Work with the Department of Education to require all Supplemental Educational Services (SES) providers to use only appropriately certified and highly qualified teachers for private providers funded by federal Title I funds.

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