AIN'T IT THE TRUTH

There is a great controversy today regarding the No Child Left Behind act. The act was due for reauthorization in 2007, but given the political climate, it could be several years before reauthorization occurs, if it ever does.

What that means is not that the law goes away, but rather it continues in its present form until 2014. The present form is probably more of a problem than many people think because, in my opinion, it takes a great idea, and lets the government deternmine how it is implemented.

A couple of years ago, a good friend from college that now teaches in Tennessee sent me a great e-mail called "NCLB football" explaining how the concept of No Child Left Behind would affect the game of football. For example, all kids would play football, but coaches would only work with the kids who weren't as skilled as their teammates. Football would be played year-round, but scores would only be kept in 3rd, 5th, 8th and 11th grades.

The end of this e-mail was a somewhat somber statement that I have stolen repeatedly for speaking engagements. It is," Remember that if no child is left behind, it's because no child is getting ahead."

Now, a colleague of mine has forwarded a new, far more timely e-mail regarding the subject. Tom Chapin, a well known recording artist has come up with a presentation on the fate of the arts under NCLB.

Please click on the following link to access the performance of Not On the Test. http://www.notonthetest.com/index.html