The following is a statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige in regard to today's release of the Education Commission of the States report on state implementation of No Child Left Behind:

"The Education Commission of the States Report to the Nation is very encouraging. The commission's analysis shows that states have indeed made considerable progress implementing No Child Left Behind, particularly in the areas of standards, assessments and accountability. We are already starting to see the fruits of their labor: test scores in large urban districts are increasing--thanks to No Child Left Behind, according to another recent report.

"The administration will continue its efforts to partner with states, districts and schools to help them implement the law. As shown by this report, the goals of No Child Left Behind are being embraced in cities and states across the nation. Educators, parents and communities are rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of making sure the goals of No Child Left Behind become a reality: that every child--regardless of skin color, spoken accent or street address--receives the best education our great nation can provide."

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