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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Groups Calling for Overhaul of "No Child Left Behind" Law

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Monday, January 8, 2007   


More than 100 national education, civil rights, religious and disability groups are marking the fifth anniversary of the federal "No Child Left Behind" law today, by signing a joint statement calling for major changes in the federal legislation. Monty Neill with the National Center for Fair and Open Testing says it punishes schools based on standardized tests. He suggests a better system would reward schools for making improvements that boost student achievement.

"There's too much teaching to the test and it's narrowing the curriculum. People are hearing a lot about it at the local level, because parents are hearing about it from their kids and teachers are talking about it."

Supporters say "No Child Left Behind" holds schools accountable for their performance. But Donna DeKraai with the South Dakota Education Association believes it's hurting students with special needs.

"We need to be looking at how it's affecting our special education children and their teachers, as well as those children that do not speak English. Those are three major concerns for us... The national government has done some changes but not enough."

Critics are also calling for increased funding to help schools meet the extra costs of standardized tests. Congressional leaders are scheduled to meet with the President today to discuss education issues. "No Child Left Behind" was signed into law January 8, 2002 and is scheduled for Congressional review and reauthorization this year.

More about FairTest can be found at www.fairtest.org. The "Joint Organizational Statement" and a current list of its signers are online at the new Forum for Educational Accountability website at www.edaccountability.org.




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