The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) became law in January 2002, and is based on three main principles: 1) holding schools accountable for the improvement of students achievement, 2) providing quality choices for all students, and 3) ensuring highly qualified teachers for every child.
No Child Left Behind is designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap, offering more flexibility, giving parents more options, and teaching students based on what works. Under the act's accountability provisions, states must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency. They must produce annual state and school district report cards that inform parents and communities about state and school progress. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring or after-school assistance; take corrective actions; and, if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years, make dramatic changes to the way the school is run.
