ESEA 2002: more resources from NEA

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the classroom, the U.S. Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, otherwise known as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

Fortunately, the National Education Association has developed a whole web page to help members navigate the muddy waters of ESEA. Check it out at http://www.nea.org/esea/.

ESEA has been around since 1965, providing school improvement programs. Most notable is Title I, which provides funding to schools that serve the most economically disadvantaged students.

Passed in January with strong bipartisan support, the new ESEA has numerous provisions that will directly impact Montana classrooms.

While the bill will provide some assistance to Montana schools, Congress unfortunately didn't put its money where its mouth is. New unfunded mandates threaten to strain school budgets.

What it means for you
Below are some of the major changes that could impact you. While MEA-MFT lobbied against almost all of the requirements listed below, we will be working with OPI and school districts to implement these requirements sensibly.

MEA-MFT will continue to offer ESEA updates to keep you apprised of changes and opportunities under this act.

* Annual testing: By 2005-2006, states must administer annual statewide tests in reading and math for grades 3-8. By 2007-08, states must also implement science tests. States may select and design their own tests, subject to numerous federal requirements. Tests must be aligned to state content and performance standards for students.

* Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP): States must attain academic proficiency, as defined by each state, for all students within 12 years. That's right - all students must be academically proficient within 12 years. (Something we've worked to achieve for the past two centuries, and now Congress wants it done in 12 years.)

To ensure progress toward that goal, schools must demonstrate "adequate yearly progress" on the assessments described above, meaning that a growing percentage of students will need to meet proficiency every year.

* Sanctions: If a school fails to make adequate yearly progress for two consecutive years, the school will receive assistance from the district and must provide public school choice, allowing children to attend another public school nearby. The district must provide transportation for students who choose another district school.

After a third year of inadequate progress, a school will be required to offer supplemental services chosen by parents, including private tutoring. After four years, the district must implement corrective actions such as replacing certain staff or adopting new curriculum. After five years, a school would be required to set up an alternative governance structure, reopen as a charter school, or turn operation of the school over to the state.

* Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications: All teachers hired under Title I, beginning this fall, must be "highly qualified." By the end of 2005-2006, all public school teachers must be "highly qualified." Highly qualified teachers are defined as teachers certified by a state who have demonstrated a high level of competence in the subjects they teach.

By 2005-2006, all paraprofessionals hired with Title I money must have completed at least two years of college, obtained an associate's or higher degree, or met a rigorous quality standard established at the local level.

MEA-MFT will fight for reasonable implementation of these requirements in Montana. We will fight to establish reasonable definitions of adequate yearly progress and minimize requirements that do not conform with Montana teacher certification standards.

Also, we are working to identify strategies for paraprofessionals to meet the new standards through real professional growth opportunities.

Watch for additional information in this newsletter in coming months. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and all MEA-MFT members involved in schools need to be aware of these changes and ready to assist Montana school communities in complying with this complex and demanding federal legislation.