News Archives – July 2007
July 30, 2007, New York Times-"Crucial Lawmaker Outlines Changes to Education Law"
The chairman of the House education committee, an original architect of the federal No Child Left Behind law, said Monday that he wanted to change the law so that annual reading and math tests would not be the sole measure of school performance, but that other indicators like high school graduation rates and test scores in other subjects would also be taken into account.
July 23, 2007 - Department of Educatio - "Secretary Spellings Highlights Math and Science Education at Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy."
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today joined professional golfer Phil Mickelson, his wife Amy, officials from ExxonMobil, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and Math Solutions for a National Town Hall with elementary math and science teachers from across the country. The Town Hall expanded on the national dialogue emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Secretary Spellings emphasized the importance of preparing students to compete in the 21st century global workforce by arming them with the skills to succeed.
July 23, 2007, Congressional Quarterly - "First Lady Makes Rare Foray Into Lobbying for ‘No Child Left Behind’ Law"
First lady Laura Bush has held a handful of small-group meetings at the White House in recent weeks, hoping to shore up support among GOP members for the reauthorization of the 2002 elementary and secondary education law (PL 107-110). It’s a rare step into the public policy realm for Mrs. Bush, who for the most part has shied away from politics and legislative haggling during her husband’s first six years in office.
July 21, 2007, Oakland Tribune-Miller," Lee talk about change to 'No Child'"
Bay Area educators, researchers and community advocates attended a summit Friday to discuss what must happen to transform public high schools from "dropout factories" into institutions that prepare all young people for a successful life. The event was billed as an opportunity for local experts to inform two lawmakers, U.S. Reps. George Miller, D-Martinez, and Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, about the benefits and shortcomings of the No Child Left Behind legislation. The landmark law is up for Congressional renewal, and high school reformers seem to agree it was not written with secondary education in mind.
