Concern. Worry. Fear. These are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of the No Child Left Behind Act as a future elementary and special education teacher. I feel that this act places too large of an emphasis on the core subjects of reading and math with very little emphasis on subjects such as physical education, music, art, science, and other important subjects essential to a child’s education. I am especially concerned about special education students who are required to meet the same criteria as normal functioning students, although a few exceptions have recently been made to the law. The special education students are required to take standardized tests, progress in school, and are forced to perform at the same level as students without disabilities. This puts a lot of stress on the special education teachers in schools so that the school meets adequate yearly progress.
Understandably, math and reading are major subjects in a child’s life, but I feel that schools have so much more to offer to students. With the No Child Left Behind Act, a large majority of education is centered around preparing for the standardized tests. I believe that a school should also be a place where students have time to interact and have social encounters with peers, be involved in the classroom, have fun, and have field trips so students can experience firsthand the marvels of the world.
Basically, the No Child Left Behind Act frustrates me as a future teacher because it will have to be the focus of my lesson plans. I will not get to take students to museums or take breaks out of our schedule to go outside for some fresh air; rather, I will be forced to prepare students for testing in order to meet adequate yearly progress. I just do not believe that it is fair to students to have to focus on two subjects.
Overall, the No Child Left Behind Act will play a significant role in my life as a teacher, but I hope that something will be done for the sake of all students, whether they are students with disabilities or students without disabilities, because children deserve a well-rounded education with multiple subjects to spend their days learning.
