This letter to the editor by Secretary's Regional Representative Eric Earling appeared in the Everett Herald (WA) on September 29, 2006.

Jayron Finan's Sept. 19 guest commentary criticizing the No Child Left Behind Act ("Law is flawed, not teaching at Hawthorne") was admirably passionate but unfortunately misplaced, based on incomplete information.

Mr. Finan decried the testing of students from foreign countries within their first year in school. Yet, the U.S. Department of Education has provided flexibility so those first-year test scores do not count toward the Adequate Yearly Progress goals that determine "in need of improvement" status.

He also seemed concerned about the use of federal Title I funds to pay for the transportation of students exercising their school choice option. NCLB is about what's best for students, not what's easiest for adults. Such concern neglects the fact Washington is receiving over $76 million in such funding in 2006 alone, a 46 percent increase since 2001. A portion of that $76 million is understandably used to provide children with the education that best fits their needs.

From Mr. Finan's description, it sounds like some great work is occurring at Hawthorne. However, The Herald reported on Sept. 16 that Hawthorne has a higher NCLB school transfer rate than other area schools. Clearly, the need for change is there.

What NCLB provides is accountability for schools, information for educators and parents, and new opportunities for kids. We shouldn't be shy about making good teaching even better if that's what it takes to educate all kids.

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