The promise of a fresh start: a new opportunity to make ESEA/NCLB work for all students.(Elementary and Secondary Education Act)(No Child Left Behind Act of 2001)

As Congress gets closer to taking up the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) this year, educators are in agreement that the law, more commonly known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), is due for a facelift. We are not alone. Some 100 national education, civil rights, religious, and disability groups are now pushing for major changes to NCLB.

The renewal of ESEA offers the opportunity for a much-needed overhaul. And thanks to you, Team NEA, we are poised to undertake a delicate operation that will help the legislation achieve its original worthy objectives: closing the gaps in student achievement, raising overall student performance, and …