Bipartisan Group Confirms Graves' Approach To No Child Left Behind

BIPARTISAN GROUP CONFIRMS GRAVES' APPROACH TO NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today expressed his approval with the findings and recommendations of the non-partisan Aspen Institute's No Child Left Behind Commission. Among its recommendations, the Commission advocated schools measure student growth for accountability, an approach long encouraged by Graves and supported by Missouri educators.

"This report validates many things I have heard from local educators; that measuring growth is a fairer and more consistent means of determining the progress our schools are making in educating our children," said Graves. "The No Child Left Behind Commission's report provides a strong case for reforming this aspect of No Child Left Behind."

The No Child Left Behind Commission's growth model recommendations build on the findings of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report sponsored by Congressman Graves, former Education Committee Chairman John Boehner, and current Committee Chairman George Miller. One of the first comprehensive studies conducted on the issue, the GAO report addresses the use of growth models as an effective alternate approach to measuring student progress under No Child Left Behind.

"In the five year's since No Child Left Behind has passed, our schools have made substantial progress in raising the academic achievements of their students. Congress must ensure that the schools closing the achievement gap receive the credit for which they are due and are not inappropriately identified as in need of improvement," said Graves.

The No Child Left Behind Act is scheduled for reauthorization this congress.

Source