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The twelve years of NCLB

Chester E. Finn, Jr.
12.18.2002

In the first year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 2nd year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 3rd year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 4th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 5th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 6th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 7th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Seven highly-qualified teachers,
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 8th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Eight supplemental services,
Seven highly-qualified teachers,
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 9th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Nine school reconstitutions,
Eight supplemental services,
Seven highly-qualified teachers,
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 10th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Ten new regulations,
Nine school reconstitutions,
Eight supplemental services,
Seven highly-qualified teachers,
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 11th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Eleven threats to withhold funding,
Ten new regulations,
Nine school reconstitutions,
Eight supplemental services,
Seven highly-qualified teachers,
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

In the 12th year of NCLB, my Uncle (Sam) gave to me
Twelve rising NAEP scores,
Eleven threats to withhold funding,
Ten new regulations,
Nine school reconstitutions,
Eight supplemental services,
Seven highly-qualified teachers,
Six annual tests,
Five schools to choose from,
Four district improvement plans,
Three disaggregated test scores,
Two state report cards, and
A law based on A.Y.P.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Tags: National Assessment of Educational Progress No Child Left Behind Act

Chester E. Finn, Jr., scholar, educator and public servant, has devoted his career to improving education in the United States. At Fordham, he is now Distinguished Senior Fellow and President Emeritus. He’s also a Volker Senior Fellow at…

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