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“No Child Left Behind,” a daunting law, expects all children in the United States to be literate by the third grade. This law, which has is merits, has indeed caused many a school district and teachers within a district to shake their collective heads in disbelief. The deadline for full implementation is 2014—just a mere seven years away. As a teacher in the fifth largest school district in the United States, I've taken on the challenge. As a life long educator dealing with the primary age child, I've experienced many different trends and educational philosophies over the years. Most have been educationally sound, while innovative in reinforcing the idea that the teacher makes the difference. Children today are still interested in learning the three R's, but the skilled professional assigned to teaching them needs to be a clown, video game performer, American Idol, juggler, dancer and problem solver along with weaving in the importance of learning for the learner's sake. Don't misunderstand. As educators we may have had to wear all the hats described prior to NCLB (No Child Left Behind) and we did. But no matter the method, the outcome remains the same: that the children meet success as learners, thus becoming productive citizens for our ever-changing society. NCLB has indeed strengthened the accountability of the teacher and administration to meet the raised bar regarding educating children. The children are making some solid gains regarding learning and showing consistent growth. The Missing Link In my opinion, the group not meeting the demands of NCLB is the parents. Many feel they no longer are the primary educators of their children. They send their children to school less ready to learn. Kindergarten teachers have to do more educating with regard to personal, social skills and academic readiness, which should have been nourished in the home. Parents are less accountable with regard to home help and the motivation needed to keep the spark of learning burning. Is there an answer to this daunting law? I think yes! Parents should take time out of their busy schedule to become partners in their child's education. They should take an active part in school functions, for example, attend parent conferences, parent nights, make appointments with the teacher to see if they can help in any way, help with their child's homework and generally take an active part in their education. Too often children come to school unprepared. They come with no supplies, no homework, tired from the late night and a lack of sleep. Parents and teachers must be partners in the education of their children. If they do, we might and should meet the deadline of “No Child Left Behind,” I for one feel it is possible. The teacher, the school system, society—even if they don't have children—and parents need to work together. There is nothing more important to our nation than the future of our children. No child should ever be left behind. About the author: Kathryn Bacon, BVM (Kevin Francis) teaches first grade at Lowman Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nev. She previously was on the faculty at Wendell P. Williams School; both are considered “at risk” schools. Return
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