On January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The Act is the most sweeping reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) since ESEA was enacted in 1965. It redefines the federal role in K-12 education and will help close the achievement gap between disadvantaged and minority students and their peers. It is based on four basic principles: stronger accountability for results, increased flexibility and local control, expanded options for parents, and an emphasis on teaching methods that have been proven to work.

NCLB is defined by the following 5 goals:

1. By 2013-2014, all students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better, in reading/English language arts and mathematics.

2. All limited English proficient students will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better, in reading/English language arts and mathematics.

3. By 2005-2006, all students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.

4. All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug-free, and conducive to learning.

5. All students will graduate from High School.

What does this mean?

As part of this educational reform, the following program points will take place:

• At the national level, the US Congress has appropriated $22.2 billion

• The Act creates a huge burden to school systems

• All school districts have to demonstrate AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress)

To help schools accomplishing the task of automating their infrastructure, NPV has actively engaged with a number of school districts to create a viable data strategy.

What other challenges do states, districts and schools face?
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