Mandates and the Governments That Impose Them Essay

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NCLB

Mandates And The Governments That Impose Them

No Child Left Behind (NCLB): The fiscal and budgetary impact on public organizations

Traditionally, public education has been left to the governance of state and local authorities. However, in creating the mandate of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the federal government extended unprecedented authority over the ability of states to set minimal standards for student achievement and what was considered a failing school. Although not specifically fiscal in nature, NCLB affected both how schools were funded by determining how to 'grade' a school as failing or passing as well as the curriculum. "NCLB requires states to implement a wide range of annual student assessments including reading and math assessments for each grade level between 3rd and 8th and once during the high school grades" (Chapter 3: NCLB costs, n.d., Legislative audit: 1).

Tests cost money to operate, as do the materials to prepare for the test. Additionally, there are often many 'hidden' costs, such as the cost of additional personnel and the opportunity costs of money and time. A recent review by South Dakota of the impact of NCLB found that "time spent to develop, prepare for and administer the tests took away time from other purposes" (Chapter 3: NCLB costs, n.d.

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, Legislative audit: 2). Because of NCLB's focus on students meeting state standards for writing and math, schools have become increasingly focused on these disciplines, limiting the funding for everything from art programs to school sports. NCLB also required teachers to be 'highly qualified,' although most states had already developed standards for teachers pertaining to certification (Chapter 3: NCLB costs, n.d., Legislative audit: 3).

After a second year of failing to meet progress standards, a Title I school is "identified for improvement" under NCLB and many states are subject to increased expenditure requirements (Chapter 3: NCLB costs, n.d., Legislative audit: 3). "NCLB requires the school district to take 'corrective action,' including at least one of the following: (1) replacement of staff, (2) implementation of a new curriculum, (3) reduction of school-level management authority, (4) appointment of an outside expert to advise the school, (5)….....

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"Mandates And The Governments That Impose Them" (2012, September 21) Retrieved May 20, 2025, from
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"Mandates And The Governments That Impose Them" 21 September 2012. Web.20 May. 2025. <
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"Mandates And The Governments That Impose Them", 21 September 2012, Accessed.20 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/mandates-governments-impose-108762