Policy
| Federal Policy | Local Policy and Practice |
|---|---|
| No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) | The NCLB Act requires states to develop standardized tests in reading and math for grades 3-8 and once in high school. Schools must make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward the goal of having all students proficient in reading and math by 2014. Schools that fail to make AYP for two consecutive years are subject to corrective action, which can include replacing staff, restructuring the school, or turning it over to a charter school operator. |
| Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | The IDEA requires states to provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities, ages 3-21. Schools must develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for each student with a disability that outline their educational goals and how those goals will be met. Schools must also provide related services, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, to students with disabilities who need them. |
| Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) | Title I provides funding to schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families. Schools must use Title I funds to provide supplemental educational services to students who are struggling academically. These services can include tutoring, after-school programs, and summer school. |
| Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) | The ESSA replaced the NCLB Act in 2015. The ESSA retains many of the provisions of the NCLB Act, such as the requirement for states to develop standardized tests and make AYP. However, the ESSA gives states more flexibility in how they implement these requirements. |
In addition to the policies listed above, there are many other federal policies that impact education at the local level. These policies can range from the Head Start program, which provides early childhood education to low-income children, to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which provides funding for career and technical education programs.
Educational leaders need to be aware of these federal policies and how they impact their schools. They also need to be able to advocate for their schools when they believe that federal policies are not working in the best interests of their students.
In my opinion, the selected federal policies have a significant impact on school leaders' decision-making and practice. For example, the NCLB Act has led to a focus on standardized testing in many schools. This can be seen as a positive, as it can help to ensure that all students are meeting grade-level standards. However, it can also be seen as a negative, as it can lead to teaching to the test and a narrowing of the curriculum.
The IDEA also has a significant impact on school leaders' decision-making and practice. Schools must ensure that all students with disabilities have access to a FAPE. This can be a challenge, as it requires schools to provide a variety of services and supports to students with disabilities.
Title I and the ESSA also have a significant impact on school leaders' decision-making and practice. These programs provide funding to schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families. Schools must use this funding to provide supplemental educational services to students who are struggling academically. This can be a challenge, as it requires schools to identify students who are struggling and to provide them with the services they need.
Overall, the federal policies that impact education at the local level can be complex and challenging. However, educational leaders play an important role in ensuring that these policies are implemented in a way that is beneficial to all students.