This op-ed by Secretary's Regional Representative Cohn appeared in the Columbus Dispatch (OH) on December 31, 2006.

Professor William L. Bainbridge believes that the No Child Left Behind Act should be "abolished" ("No Child law has failed, should be killed," Forum column, Dec. 16). He's entitled to his opinion. But here's what else he would abolish:

• More reading progress by 9-year-olds in five years than in the previous 28 years combined;
• A massive two-year increase (235,000) in the number of fourth graders learning their fundamental math skills; and
• Achievement gaps between young black and Hispanic students and their peers narrowing to all-time lows.

Bainbridge also would have to give up an 11-point increase in the Ohio Performance Index, a composite of K-12 test scores, since 2001-02.

Nearly 97 percent of school districts improved their scores over the past school year. "Results clearly show we're moving in the right direction," said Susan Tave Zelman, Ohio's superintendent of public instruction.

Test scores do not measure everything.

They do not measure the dedication of our teachers and principals, newly committed to closing the achievement gap, a key mission of No Child Left Behind.

And they do not show our commitment to providing the necessary resources, including a 47 percent increase in overall federal education funding for Ohio since President Bush took office. As test scores have risen, so have our expectations. "The spirit that guides and motivates our work (is) that all students can learn and be successful," Zelman said. I hope this spirit, light-years away from Bainbridge's pessimism, will never be abolished.

Kristine Cohn
Secretary's Regional Representative
Region V, Chicago