Introduction
In 2001, the Bush Administration pushed forward the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and was signed in January 2002, replacing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was in effect for almost 40 years. This act emphasized the improvement of standardized test scores throughout the country (No Child Left Behind Act.) NCLB has set the very unlikely goal that every student will be proficient in math and reading by 2014. Not only does this act put additional stress on students trying to do well on tests, but it also puts an unneeded amount of stress on educators at all levels. This act has some very harsh consequences for schools who do not make the grade. It also has been forcing schools with no other choice but to cut back on vital subjects. NCLB has also been putting extra stress on special needs students, which is unacceptable. Something needs to be done about this before schools are permanently changed for the worse.
