No clear lesson for No Child Left Behind

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The debate has begun about what changes, if any, should be made to the controversial No Child Left Behind federal law, which expires this year.

Five years after the legislation was passed, teacher’s unions are demanding its provisions requiring extensive standardized testing be relaxed, while school districts are asking for more flexibility in interpreting the law, The San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday.

Supporters of the principle of standardized testing, like employer groups, are asking that they remain relatively untouched, the newspaper said.

Policy experts predict moderate changes instead of drastic revisions. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., a key supporter of the act, who is spearheading the House reauthorization, has proposed minor changes.

There are challenges to moderation, however, the newspaper said. The Bush administration has indicated it will accept no changes to the law, while a House proposal that would allow states to opt out of the law has 60 co-sponsors.