Statement by ISEA President Tammy Wawro

On the State Report Card for No Child Left Behind

DES MOINES, IA (09/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Iowa is one of only eight states not granted a waiver of flexibility under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) goal of 100 percent proficiency in 2014. While 100 percent proficiency is a laudable goal, it is also an impossible one under any circumstances. Established over a decade ago, and scheduled for reauthorization in 2007, Congress has yet to agree to suitable changes or amendments to this outdated law. The shoe no longer fits, yet the federal government continues to try to squeeze it on the foot. Nevertheless, some will still judge Iowa's public schools by this antiquated law, giving labels that do not measure actual classroom achievements or growth because the standards do not apply. This travesty is most harmful for the students in those schools and the educators helping them do great work.