This letter to the editor by Secretary's Regional Representative Eric Earling appeared in the Twin Falls Times-News (ID) on September 22, 2006.

Whether intended to or not, Joshua Palmer's recent article (Educators say progress is being left unreported, Aug. 30) shows how successful the No Child Left Behind Act has really been.

The piece claims that Magic Valley educators are "frustrated" that not enough people know the progress being made by their schools. But the bottom line is that progress is being made, thanks to NCLB's strong focus on struggling students. "We are ... seeing what we can do better," said Wiley Dobbs, superintendent of the Twin Falls School District. That's precisely the point of the law.

What about the "Adequate Yearly Progress" provision that some decry as "pass-fail" and a "federal requirement"? In actuality, AYP is determined separately by each state, including Idaho, as schools work to make steady academic progress each year toward the state's goals of every child reading and doing math on grade level or better by 2014.

Schools not meeting Idaho's AYP targets for two years in a row receive extra resources to succeed, including technical assistance and professional development. Their students qualify for new options as well, including free tutoring or transfer to another school. This is hardly a burden—in fact, it's an opportunity.

NCLB leverages federal support for K-12 education by encouraging increased accountability in return for increased funding—approximately $90 million for Idaho last year, a 60 percent increase since 2001. The law is driving schools to improve and do what it takes to educate all students. That deserves more than a passing grade.

Eric Earling is the deputy secretary's regional representative for the U.S. Department of Education, Region X.