This letter to the editor by Eric Earling appeared in the Bonner County Daily Bee (ID) on July 3, 2005.

Dear Editor:

A May 30th article on No Child Left Behind contained some inaccurate comments from local officials about this law. These incorrect statements conveyed a number of myths about No Child Left Behind that deserve correction.

One myth is that the federal government needs to provide more money. In reality, President Bush's next budget provides Idaho over $94 million dollars to specifically support No Child Left Behind, a 66% increase since 2001 when No Child Left Behind was passed to reform existing federal education law. That kind of increase speaks for itself.

Another myth is that states aren't in complete control. Yet, like all states, Idaho chooses to participate in No Child Left Behind and receive this money. In return, states are asked to set their own standards, select a test (Idaho chose the ISAT) to measure if students are reaching those standards, and to be accountable for results. Accountability for results when spending taxpayers' money is simple common sense.

Plus, these standards are not complicated—which is yet another myth put forward by opponents of school reform. It's making sure for instance that 3rd grade students can read and do math at a 3rd grade level by the end of the school year.

The facts are clear No Child Left Behind supports reasonable goals, set by each state, to improve education for all kids. The federal government is providing a record amount of money to support states, and to give children the education communities in Idaho want them to receive.

Eric Earling
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative
U.S. Department of Education, Region X