This letter to the editor by Eric Earling, the Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative in Region X, appeared in the Daily Astorian (Oregon) on May 18, 2007.

A recent column in The Daily Astorian ("Lawmakers need to wake up to harm of No Child Left Behind mandate," March 29) misrepresented federal education reform efforts, while promulgating an assortment of mistruths. In truth, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has sparked real progress in student achievement.

States choose to participate in NCLB - as all 50 states are doing. Each state created its own system of tests and standards for K-12 schools in return for a substantial increase in funding. Oregon alone is scheduled to receive nearly $219 million for NCLB in the president's next budget, a 60 percent increase since 2001. States are then held accountable for getting students to state-selected benchmarks of achievement. That's common sense.

There's evidence NCLB is working in Oregon. Last year, a significantly higher percentage of Oregon's Title I schools met state benchmarks than other state schools. Title I schools receive the bulk of federal funding, and serve economically disadvantaged communities whose students have historically struggled. The success of Oregon's educators in helping improve their performance is a testament to their dedication and commitment, but also to the power of NCLB.

Good people can disagree on how best to achieve K-12 education reform. But first critics need to get their facts straight. The truth is NCLB is having a positive impact in education and it deserves to be renewed.

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