ATLANTA — U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today approved Georgia's state accountability system aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. Secretary Paige made the announcement at the Georgia state house, where he was joined by U.S. Reps. Mac Collins, Phil Gingrey, and Johnny Isakson; State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox; and other state and local officials.

"Today, I am pleased to announce that Georgia is the 20th state to win approval," Secretary Paige said. "I congratulate Superintendent Cox and everyone who worked so hard in partnership with us to get this done. This is proof that Georgia is committed to high standards and high expectations. It's a huge achievement, and I thank you for all your hard work so every child in Georgia is educated and no child is left behind."

Under NCLB's strong accountability provisions, states must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including disadvantaged students, achieve academic proficiency. In addition, they must produce annual state and school district report cards that inform parents and communities about state and school progress. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services such as free tutoring or after-school assistance, take corrective actions and—if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years—must make dramatic changes to the way the school is run.

Georgia is the 20th state to gain approval. Other states whose plans have been approved include Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia.

No Child Left Behind is the landmark education reform law designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap, offering more flexibility, giving parents more options and teaching students based on what works. Foremost among the four key principles is an insistence on stronger accountability for results. To achieve that, states must develop strong accountability systems or improve those already in place, establish high standards and hold all children to the same standards. They also must provide instruction by highly qualified teachers, which results in steady progress. All students must be proficient by the 2013-14 school year.

All states submitted draft accountability plans to the U.S. Department of Education by the Jan. 31 deadline. Following an initial review and technical assistance, if needed, the next step was an onsite peer review of each state's proposed accountability plan. Teams of three peer reviewers—independent, nonfederal education policy, reform or statistical experts—conducted each peer review. Following a review of the team's consensus report, the department provides feedback to the state and works to resolve any outstanding issues. Ultimately, Paige approves the state plan, as he did for Georgia.

All states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have had peer reviews of their accountability plans. Additionally, senior staff of the Department of Education have met with education officials from the states to discuss the specifics of their plans and the unique challenges and issues in each state.

Despite all the priorities competing for our tax dollars—strengthening our economy, defending our nation, and expanding opportunities for all Americans—the president's budget boosts education funding to $53.1 billion, an $11 billion increase since he took office.

If approved by Congress, the president's budget will increase funding for Georgia's schools to more than $1.3 billion—$305 million more than when the President took office. It also provides nearly $590 million to help Georgia implement the reforms of No Child Left Behind, Paige said. And more is on the way. The President's 2004 budget calls for another $32 million, just for Georgia.

The proposed budget also increases Title I funding to nearly $376 million—$118 million over 2001 levels—to help Georgia's neediest children; increases special education grants for Georgia to nearly $254 million—$91.3 million over 2001 levels; provides nearly $293 million in Federal Pell Grants to help ensure a college education for Georgia students who otherwise might not be able to afford one; provides more than $75 million to attract and retain highly-qualified teachers in Georgia classrooms; provides nearly $10 million for annual assessments so parents in Georgia will know how well their children are learning and where they need improvement.

Georgia's plan will be posted online at www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/CFP/csas/index.html.

For more information about the No Child Left Behind Act, go to www.nochildleftbehind.gov.

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