Why NCLB is a failure

Hello fellow readers! The post that I am about to
write is going to give a few ideas and or thoughts as to why NCLB is a complete
failure. I think that the general consensus is that the overall effects of NCLB
is a resounding failure, albeit an admirable attempt by the Federal Government
to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban students.

The continual and constant testing that students
have undergone since the creation of the legislation has grinded flexibility
and creativity in school curriculums to a resounding halt.  Most school districts have focused on test
scores and data due to the requirements of NCLB.  Furthermore, as evidenced in the state of
Maryland, when four school were taken over the by the state in March of 2009
due to poor test scores and student performance, the federal government did not
intervene or offer any resolution to the educational crisis within the state!
This is further proof that the NCLB statute is clearly in need of
restructuring.  Also, I think that this
is proof that state takeovers do not offer a “quick fix”. 

In addition, I would like to use the state of
Georgia as another example.  A widespread
scandal within the educational community ensued when the Governor’s office of
student achievement investigated the abnormal number of erasures on student
answer sheets.  As a result of this
investigation, principals, teachers and other department officials were
implicated in the scandal.  As a result
these public officials and educational staff were either forced to resign or
were fired if they weren’t willing to resign officially. 

Another cheating scandal erupted in Waterbury
Connecticut at Hopeville School.  An
administrator and a teacher were implicated in the tampering of elementary test
scores.  The Connecticut Mastery tests
were subject to tampering in an effort to raise test scores as well.  A state investigation found irregularities in
the school's scores on the State Mastery Tests, there were major improvements,
and in some cases, scoring top in Connecticut.

I ask a simple question:  What is the cause of these situations?  What are the circumstances?  I will also add:  There certainly will be major effects!  The pressure of raising test scores and
student performance in urban school districts across America is the cause of
this disturbing behavior.  I will say one
thing:  I hope the Obama administration is
serious about revamping NCLB.  History
teaches us that the Federal Government and its officials say one thing, but
often do another!  The message is clear,
NCLB has to be amended or it has to go! 
What are your thoughts?  Please
comment!