Data, Tech, and NCLB
eSchool News has a new paper on the connection between technology, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and data-driven decision making. The student achievement tracking required through NCLB is so complicated that it is only truly possible through the use of data management systems. This article at www.eschoolnews.org/resources/reports/datamgmt/ gives a good overview of the situation, and some of the tools available in the marketplace.
Of course, this assumes that the NEA’s suit against NCLB isn’t successful. As described by EdWeek at www.edweek.org/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug=42nea_web.h22, the NEA is suing to stop implementation of the legislation until the federal government fully funds the requirements, as the legislation language requires. Several states are considering joing the suit, as the law is turning into a substantial unfunded mandate.