The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is a federal law to improve public school education for all children. The goal is to have every student achieving at grade level by 2014. NCLB was first passed in 2001 as a way to make sure all children succeed in school.
Key Facts
- Schools must show that they are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) towards meeting state learning standards, which are measured by standardized tests.
- Every year, school report cards are released that show parents if a school met AYP.
- If a school does not meet APY for several years, they are designated a “school in need of improvement.
- Schools in a need of improvement are required to take steps to improve academic achievement of students. In some cases, parents can move their child to another school (public school choice) or participate in free tutoring (supplemental education services).
- Schools and school districts must create and distribute written parental involvement policies that explain how schools will involve parents in their children’s education.
- Schools must have a high level of teacher quality. Teachers must be certified in both the subject and grade they teach.
To learn more about No Child Left Behind in New York State, visit the New York State Education Department's website at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/deputy/nclb/sini/home.shtml.
New York State Learning Standards
Learning standards describe what children should know, understand and be able to do as a result of their schooling.In New York State, there are learning standards in seven content areas.
- English Language Arts
- Science
- Mathematics, Science, and Technology
- Social Studies
- Career Development and Occupational Studies
- Health, Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences
- The Arts
All public schools in New York State must address the learning standards within the curriculum.
In order to measure how well students are meeting the standards, schools are required by No Child Left Behind to administer standardized assessments.
In New York State, assessments are given on the following schedule:
- English Language Arts (ELA) – Tests given in grades 3-8
- Mathematics – Tests given in grades 3-8
- Science (written and lab) – tests given in grade 4 and grade 8
- Social Studies – tests given in grade 5 and grade 8
- High School Regent’s Exams – students take Regent’s exams every year in January and/or June (specific tests depend on what classes the student is taking).
Each year, student test scores are used to show whether or not a school district is making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) toward meeting state learning standards. The results are released to the public in annual school report cards.
For more information on the New York State Learning Standards, visit the New York State Education Department website at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nysatl/standards
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
School districts must meet achievement goals based on student test scores, graduation rates, and teacher quality. If the district meets the goals set by New York State, then they make AYP.
If districts do not achieve these goals, then they do not make AYP, and they must provide certain services to students.
Public School Choice
After two years of not making Adequate Yearly Progress, school districts receiving Title I funds must provide Public School Choice. Parents can request that their child be transferred to another school in the district that is making Adequate Yearly Progress. The school provides transportation.
Supplemental Educational Services (SES)
After three years of not making Adequate Yearly Progress, school districts receiving Title I funds must provide Supplemental Educational Services (SES). Parents can request free tutoring services for their child. The tutoring is an additional service that takes place outside of the regular school day and must be provided by a provider approved by the New York State Education Department. Parents must provide transportation. SES is only available to students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch.
To find an approved SES provider in New York State, visit http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nyc/SES/ApprovedProviders/SESlist.html.
School Report Cards
The New York State Education Department releases annual school report cards for every public school district in the state. These report cards are available to the public as required by No Child Left Behind.
School report cards include the following information.
- General information about the school, such as how many students are enrolled, average class size, number of staff, etc.
- High school graduation rates
- Teacher qualifications
- Show the progress of all students on standardized tests
- Show whether or not the district is making annual yearly progress (AYP) in each content area (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science)
You can see your school district’s most recent report card on the New York State Education Department’s website at https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/.
You can also request the information from your local school district.
Parental Involvement Policies
Research shows that when parents are involved in education, children show increased academic achievement. No Child Left Behind requires all schools to actively involve parents.
Schools need:
- Written school and district parental involvement policies explaining how schools will involve parents.
- A school-parent compact explaining how schools and parents will work together to help children achieve.
- Annual meetings to explain Title I programs to parents.
- Parental participation in developing school improvement plans.
For more information about Parental Involvement policies in New York State, see Just the Facts for NY Parents - Parent Involvement Policies for Schools and School Districts available at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/deputy/nclb/parents/facts/eng/eng-involvement.html.
For more information about ways to become involved in children’s education, please visit our PIRC Resources page.