TRENTON, N.J. -- U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today approved New Jersey's state accountability system aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001.

Brian Jones, senior advisor and general counsel to Paige, made the announcement during a visit to Washington Elementary School. He was joined by New Jersey Commissioner of Education William Librera.

"I applaud the efforts of Commissioner Librera and others in the state for their commitment to a strong, cohesive accountability plan that benefits every child in New Jersey," Paige said. "I also congratulate the state for taking the bold initiative to do what is necessary to ensure that each student -- regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic background or disabilities -- has equal access to a high-quality education."

New Jersey's plan reflects intentions to link details of the accountability system with instructional improvement goals. In addition, the state is building an infrastructure to support more accurate data collection, which, in turn, will allow for faster, more accurate information to parents and schools.

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.

New Jersey is the 17th state to gain approval. Other states whose plans have been approved include Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, 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 and, ultimately, proficiency for all students 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 on-site 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 New Jersey.

To date, all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have had peer reviews of their accountability plans. Additionally, the senior staff of the Department of Education has 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, President Bush's budget boosts federal education funding to $53.1 billion -- an $11 billion increase since the president took office. New Jersey alone will receive more than $1.2 billion, including $497 million to implement NCLB. If the president's budget is approved, federal education funding for New Jersey will have gone up $262.8 million since he took office.

New Jersey's plan will be posted online in the coming days at: http://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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