The following information was obtained from a booklet Understanding the No Child Left Behind Act; A Parent's Handbook from the Channing Bete Company South Deerfield MA www.channing-bete.com

Understanding The No Child Left Behind Act

A Parent's Handbook 

What is the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act?....It's an education act (signed into law in2002). It helps: Students...The act aims to ensure that every student has a high-quality education. Some of its key goals are to: *challenge and motivate students *provide highly qualified teachers, who use proven teaching methods *ensure a safe, drug-free learning environment.

Parents...Schools are required to provide school report cards, so you can learn how well your child's school is performing. You can also learn how well your child is performing for his or her grade level, and how you can help your child build important learning skills at home. As a parent, you play a key role in your child's education. This handbook can help you understand your rights and responsibilities. Parent involvement at school and home makes a big difference!

Key parts of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act....The NCLB Act aims to strengthen schools and improve student achievement. Key parts include...New accountability requirements for states and schools. Accountability means they have promised to work toward certain goals. Under the NCLB Act, schools are required to: *set high standards (specific goals and expectations) for achievement  *measure school progress using approved tests *issue reports charting school performance. Statewide education goals---and a plan to reach them...The state sets goals that all schools must work to meet. The goals include making sure that all students can perform well in math, reading and other subjects.

Reading achievement is a key focus....of the NCLB Act. Your child's reading program should use proven teaching methods. These include: Phonemic awareness, this teaches students how to hear and recognize sounds in spoken words. Phonics, this teaches the relationship between sounds and letters. Vocabulary, students are given words to study, to learn their meaning. Quizzes and tests help check students' understanding of these words. Fluency, this means being able to read, understand and pronounce text quickly and accurately. Students may be asked to read aloud in class so teachers can evaluate and strengthen this skill. Comprehension, students need to talk and write about what they read. This helps show that they understand, remember and can communicate what they read. 

Other areas of focus. The NCLB Act also seeks to, improve math and science achievement. Schools should also rely on proven teaching methods to help students succeed in these areas. Funding may be used for, *training teachers *providing classroom materials and other math and science resources *setting up new courses. Use technology to improve student achievement. The NCLB Act also aims to ensure that technology is part of the curriculum, and that students are comfortable using technology by the time they finish eighth grade. You may want to ask: *What technology tools (such as computers and Internet access) are available at the school? *How much time will my child spend using technology each week? Help limited English proficient (LEP) students. A main goal of the NCLB Act is to help non-English-speaking students enter regular classrooms quickly--- and meet the same standards as other students. Know your rights if you are the parent of an LEP student. For example, you should: *be notified when your child needs to take a language instruction program. *have a choice in instructional programs if more than one is offered. *be told how a program can help your child learn English *be able to remove your child from an LEP program if you choose.

You have a right to know how well your child's school is doing. The NCLB Act requires states to set up systems of accountability for all schools and students. These systems involve, setting high standards, standards detail what students are expected to know and what skills they should have. The NCLB Act requires states to set high standards for reading, math and science. Testing student progress. Standards-based tests let parents, teachers and communities see how well students are performing. Testing can also help educators evaluate which students and schools need extra help. Measuring each school's and district's progress. Schools are required to help students meet state standards by preparing them for tests in reading, math and science. These test results help determine if a school meets adequate yearly progress (AYP). Each state sets goals for AYP. You have a right to know if your child's school meets state AYP goals. Identifying schools that need improvement. Schools that do not make AYP must develop improvement plans and take other actions to meet AYP requirements. Publishing annual district and state report cards on school performance. These show you (and other members of the community) how the school's performance compares to that of other schools in your district and state. What if my child's school needs improvement? If a school fails to make AYP for 2 years in a row, students may qualify for school choice. 

What if my child's school needs improvement? If a school fails to make AYP (adequate yearly progress) for 2 years in a row, students may qualify for school choice. School choice allows students to transfer to a different school. If your child is eligible, you may transfer him or her to a better-performing public school. Your choices may also include: a public charter school within the same district, a magnet school within the same district. If all the schools in your district need improvement, your child may be able to transfer to a better-performing school in another district. School districts must work with families to make school choice possible. They must: give priority to the lowest-achieving eligible students from low-income families: provide transportation: cover the cost of tuition, if necessary. School choice helps ensure that your child will not fall behind because of his or her learning environment.

School success starts at home! There's a lot you can do to stay involved in your child's education and help him or her succeed in school. Here are some ideas: Talk often about school. Ask questions about schoolwork, teachers and classmates. Show an interest in what your child does at school. Help with homework. Homework has many benefits. It can help improve memory and reinforce what's being taught in class. Homework also teaches children how to manage time and be more responsible. Here are some tips: *Plan a set time to do homework each day. *Set aside a quiet, well-lit space for your child to work. Provide needed supplies, such as pens, pencils, paper and a dictionary. *Stay informed about the homework load in each class and any rules for homework. *Be there to offer help and check homework. But don't do the work for your child. *Set a good example. During homework time, do your own "homework," such as balancing a checkbook, writing a letter or making a shopping list. *Encourage your child to read every day, even if there is no homework. You can read together, silently or out loud. Set up routines. Together, agree on routines for homework, shores and other activities, such as reading together. Mark these on a calendar or chart, and post it where all can see it. Routines help your child learn to manage time. They can also teach your child responsibility and help increase his or her self-confidence. Limit TV time. In general, limit it to no more that 1-2 hours a day. Know what your child is watching. Talk about shows with him or her. Set limits on video and computer games, too. Praise and encourage your child. Praise your child's efforts as well as his or her achievements and successes. Be specific. Point out improvements you see your child making in math, reading and other subjects.