President-elect Obama's administration and the new Congress are ready to take charge, and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965/No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB) is looming. Now is the time to closely analyze the nation's most important education law and make adjustments that will greatly enhance educators' capacity to increase student achievement. It is imperative that stakeholders in education assess the data from the last seven years and discuss the successes as well as the shortcomings.

In the United States, many low-income and minority students, as well as students with disabilities and English language learners (ELLs), are struggling to achieve at the same level as their peers. Despite limited resources, educators are working diligently to close the achievement gap; but there is still much work to be done.

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, an amended version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, spotlighted the inequities within the U.S. education system. Now, moving forward, policymakers have the opportunity to vastly improve the legislation by creating accountability measures that are fair for all students. They can also provide teachers, school leaders, and education agencies with the flexibility and resources they need to meet the law's requirements.

Grounded in the belief that children should be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, ASCD's recommendations will give teachers and school leaders the ability to choose the most appropriate teaching methods, assessment tools, and school intervention strategies to meet their students' needs.

ASCD recommends that the ESEA/NCLB

• Adjusts the adequate yearly progress (AYP) model to incorporate multiple measures of assessment.
• Allows flexibility in assessing ELLs and students with disabilities.
• Offers the full complement of sanctions and intervention strategies immediately.
• Provides incentives such as quality professional development opportunities, career ladders, and other incentives especially for educators serving in high-needs schools.
• Creates a dedicated fund for high school redesign.

ASCD also recommends that the reauthorized ESEA/NCLB provide the necessary resources to achieve the goals outlined by the legislation.

Educators understand the importance of accountability, and they strive to meet high standards. To be successful, educators need an education policy that is based on research, founded on effective pedagogical strategies, and focused on the student.