Russ Feingold: “this month millions of American schoolchildren are returning to classrooms to begin the new school year, making this a…”

“this month millions of American schoolchildren are returning to classrooms to begin the new school year, making this a time of hope and possibilities. Students in my State of Wisconsin and around the country are meeting new teachers, getting reacquainted with old friends, joining clubs or athletic teams, and embarking on the next step in their educational careers. Teachers and administrators around the country are starting a new school year with fresh lesson plans and high goals for all the students in their schools. And many educators, parents, and school officials are continuing to work diligently toward the goal of closing the achievement gap that continues to exist throughout many communities across the country. These students, teachers, and administrators will also face their sixth year under the Federal No Child Left Behind Act, NCLB, the centerpiece of President Bush's domestic agenda. NCLB, which is 2001- 2002 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, ESEA, requires that students be tested annually in reading and math, and starting this school year, in science. The law is up for reauthorization this year and it remains unknown how much change students, teachers, parents, and administrators can expect as Congress works to reauthorize the law. I voted against No Child Left Behind in 2001 in large part because of the law's new Federal testing mandate.”