No Child Left Behind

The No Child Left Behind Act was signed into law in 2002. The law reauthorized the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was the first and largest federal education law that provided a considerable pecuniary fund for kindergarten through twelfth grade. The two main purposes of NCLB is to ensure that all children in the United States receive an exceptional education and the achievement gap between children who do well and those who do not be closed.

The No Child Left Behind Act is based on four principles:

1. Holding schools accountable for test results and performance
2. Giving states and districts flexibility in how they spend federal money
3. Using scientific research to guide classrooms
4. Increasing parental involvement in their children's education

For a detailed a complete report of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, visit the United States Department of Education.

Louisiana PROMISE / PIRC offers the following NCLB workshops:

• No Child Left Behind
• Public School Choice
• School and District Report Cards
• Supplemental Educational Services

Visit the Louisiana PROMISE / PIRC calendar to access dates, times and locations.

The Four Principles

1. School Accountability

Every school in Louisiana is held responsible for student performance. Each school measures accountability by how well students perform on standardized state-developed tests. Schools must provide parents with an easy to understand School Report Card so that parents will be informed on how well the school is performing as a whole compared with other schools in their district and state. If the school is not performing satisfactorily in two years, parents have the right to choose another school in the district for their child. They may also utilize Supplemental Educational Services, which is out of school time free tutoring.

2. Monetary Expenditure Flexibility

NCLB allows Louisiana and individual school districts to have more control over the way the available funds and resources are used. This allows principals the flexibility of moving funds from one program to another that would be more beneficial for students.

3. Use of Scientific Research

The teaching methods that have been proven by research to be effective are the methods that are expected to be used under NCLB. Teachers are expected to be certified and highly qualified to teach in an effective manner. Teachers are also expected to pursue professional development opportunities in order to be up to date on any new teaching methods.

4. Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is an important aspect of NCLB. This law empowers parents to make informed decisions about their children's education. Parents have the right to know their child's progress, the school's performance as a whole, and any resources available to them.

This information is referenced from the U.S. Department of Education brochure "No Child Left Behind: What Parents Need to Know."

School Choice

What is School Choice?

As mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act, every school must provide a "report card" of the school's performance. If the school does not perform at proficient levels for two years in a row, the school district must offer the parents the option to enroll their child in a better performing school.

What is the purpose of School Choice?

The purpose of school choice is to ensure that every child has an equal chance at receiving an education in a safe environment. School choice also encourages parents to be more involved in their child's education.

How do I know if my child goes to a school that must offer choice?

Each school that offers choice should let the parent know of the school's status. The parents can also access this information at the Louisiana Department of Education's website.

Will transportation be provided?

The school district must provide transportation to your school of choice.

How do I know what school is best for my child?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a school such as:

• performance on School Report cards
• proximity of the school to your home or job
• teachers and principals that encourage parental involvement.
• special needs of your child - for example, could your child qualify for a magnet school
• extra-curricular activities
• active Parent Teacher Association
• after-school educational programs

What should I do before I enroll my child in a new school?

• Check the school's report card online at the Louisiana Department of Education's website.
• Make an appointment to speak with the principal and possibly a teacher or a school counselor.
• Request a tour of the school
• Make contact with other parents whose children attend the school
• Help familiarize your child with the school as much as possible before the first day of classes
• Join the school Parent Teacher Association
• If you need additional information regarding School Choice, contact Louisiana PROMISE at 1-866-751-6958. 

School Report Cards

What is a School Report Card?

In order to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act every school district in the state must provide a school report card that exhibits the progress of a school as a whole. This progress is known as Adequate Yearly Progress or AYP.

What kind of information is found in the Parent School Report Card?

• academic performance of students in a respective school as compared with your local district and state
• the quality of teachers at the school
• enrollment information such as class size, school climate, attendance, and dropout rates

What are the components of the Report Card?

• School Performance Score (SPS)
• Performance Label - This is directly related to the SPS score. It is rated in stars - 0-5. The more stars, the higher the score.
• Growth Target- This number is the projected increase that the school must achieve every year to reach the target of 120.0 by 2014.
• Growth Label - Describes the level of growth achieved by a school, based upon the school's success in attaining the Growth Target.
• School status - This expresses the standing of the school.
• Test Results - Here you will see how your school measured in regards to standardized testing. The score is compared to the district and the state.
• Attendance Rate
• User's Guide for understanding the report card
• Resources for parents
• School Characteristics - teacher quality and  enrollment status
• Safety and School Environment
• School Climate

How is the school system graded?

All public schools receive a School Performance Score (SPS) every year. The SPS consists of 2-3 parts - depending on the grade: test results, attendance rate, and graduation rate. The state's goal for each school is an SPS of 120.0.

What is Adequate Yearly Progress?

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is the state's way of measuring progress. The goal is for 100 percent of students to be proficient in reading / language arts and math. The AYP exhibits the minimum level of proficiency that the state, the school district, and schools must achieve each year on annual tests and related academic markers.

What are a parent's options if the school is not showing sufficient adequate progress?

Every school that does not show enough progress will be identified as a school that needs improvement. The school will receive assistance from the district and the state in order to boost their progress. If after two years of unsubstantial progress the school district must offer the opportunity for the student to transfer to another school if so desired.

What can parents do to improve the success of their school?

• Be involved in as many school activities as possible.
• Make sure your children attend school every day and are on time.
• Supervise homework and study time.
• Provide your child a quiet working environment at home.
• Ask your child about school every day.

For more information regarding School Report Cards, contact Louisiana PROMISE / PIRC at 1-866-751-6958.

Supplemental Educational Services

What are Supplemental Educational Services (SES)?

SES is extra help in academic subjects, such as reading, mathematics and language arts. SES is free of charge to eligible students and is provided outside of the regular school day, either before or after school, on weekends, or in the summer.

Who can get SES?

Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and are enrolled in Title I schools that have been placed on Louisiana's Department of Education "in need of improvement" list for two or more years are eligible to receive SES.  Students receive priority for SES based on academic and economic need. School districts prioritize student eligibility by ranking students from lowest to highest academic achievement levels and by ranking earnings from free and reduced-price lunch meal information provided by families.

What is Title I?

Title I is a federal program that provides financial resources to individual schools or school districts. A school district's eligibility for Title I funds is based on the number of students reported as living in poverty through the 2000 census data.

What is a school that is considered "in need of improvement"?

Schools that do not meet the minimum level performance on Louisiana's state tests and do not make adequate yearly progress for two consecutive years are identified for improvement. The student population as a whole, as well as certain groups of students, must achieve minimum levels of progress annually.

Is my child is eligible?

Your school district will notify you if your child is eligible for SES and also provide you with an approved list of providers from the Louisiana Department of Education. If you have questions about your child's eligibility, call Louisiana PIRC at 1-866-751-6958.

How do I choose a provider?

There are several different types of providers available (from an individual tutor to computer-based instruction). Some possible questions you may want to ask providers are:

• What is your background and qualifications?
• How will the tutoring service be delivered, by computer or teacher?
• What happens after I have chosen a provider?

Your school will contract with the provider for services. You, the provider, and the school staff should meet to discuss and agree on specific goals for your child, set-up a schedule of services, and talk about how your child's progress will be measured.

Who pays for SES?

The school district, according to the federal law, must set aside a portion of Title I funding to cover the expense of tutoring for each eligible child. The school district signs an agreement to pay for all services with the provider chosen by the parent (up to the amount set aside for each child).

How often and how long will my child receive tutoring?

This can vary from everyday to a few times a weeks. Make sure you know how many sessions the provider will offer, and how long the sessions will continue. For your child to receive the most benefit from receiving these services, make sure that your child attends or participates on a regular basis.

For more information about SES, contact Louisiana PROMISE / PIRC at 1-866-751-6958.