Leave No Mississippi Child Behind

LEAVE NO MISSISSIPPI CHILD BEHIND-HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON (Extensions of Remarks - March 03, 2004)

HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
OF MISSISSIPPI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following speech, dated January 7, 2004, given by Joyia Smith, Student Body President at Greenville-Weston High School in Greenville, MS, at a No Child Left Behind Forum.

The No Child Left Behind Act is a landmark in education reform, "designed" to improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. The name alone has we uninformed students thinking that test scores would fly up and there would really be "no child left behind". When this legislation first appeared, I was just an incoming sophomore. Our school individually had a lot of concerns. At the same time NCLB was introduced, our students were trying to adopt an unneeded merger. It was like a "double improvement" for us. Our school administration had us under the impression that we would no longer be "trapped in the dead end of low performing schools". In addition to strong accountability, NCLB puts a special emphasis on implementing educational programs. The whole idea was so parents would know their children's strengths and weaknesses, parents would know how well schools were performing, and parents would know the schools have quality teacher training and resources. This is a good plan. I as a student leader just don't feel it was carried out as it should have been. Everything that seems good is not good for you. We must be able to admit when we've made a mistake and move on. "When dreams turn into dust, you should vacuum." Like Thomas Jefferson, "I too like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."

I admire Joyia for her attentiveness and the detail in which she expresses her analysis of federal legislation. Her comments truly speak bounds. Her outstanding scholarship is a positive reflection on her personal dedication, family, and school district. May Joyia Smith continue to excel in her endeavors.

END