This letter to the editor by Eric Earling appeared in Spokane Spokesman-Review on September 19, 2004.

Recent coverage in The Spokesman-Review of No Child Left Behind and the release of test scores by Idaho and Washington included quotes from local educators that gave an inaccurate impression of this federal education reform effort. Specifically, words such as "blanket standards" and "cookie cutter" used by those educators are totally incorrect ("N. Idaho schools fall short of goals," Aug. 28).

Readers of The Spokesman are actually in a unique position to see how those comments are wrong since each state implements No Child Left Behind differently. While this is a federal law, each state chooses its own tests and sets its own standards for students. Washington uses the WASL and Idaho uses the ISAT.

Simply put, states choose to take part in No Child Left Behind (all 50 states have chosen to do so). In return, states receive record levels of federal funding and more flexibility. Yet, because of No Child Left Behind, states are expected to be more accountable to parents and the community in showing that all students are learning; that's common sense.

The latest improvements in test scores for Idaho and Washington are part of the evidence No Child Left Behind is working—that's a good thing for schools, and for kids.

Eric Earling, U.S. Department of Education
Seattle, WA