The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) was signed into law on January 8, 2002. The Center's Education Division is devoting considerable resources to helping governors implement the historic new legislation. NCLB requires states:

• Provide public school choice and supplemental services for students in failing schools as early as fall 2002.
• Integrate scientifically-based reading research into comprehensive reading instruction for young children.
• Set and monitor adequate yearly progress, based on baseline 2001-02 data.
• Issue annual report cards on school performance and statewide test results by 2002-03.
• Implement annual, standards-based assessments in reading and math for grades 3-8 by 2005-06.
• Assure that all classes are taught by a qualified teacher by 2005-06.

Governors are crucial to making these requirements a reality. NGA's Center for Best Practices is helping states implement NCLB through the State Education Policy Network (SEPN). SEPN is a partnership of six national organizations that offer technical assistance and policy interpretation, and answer specific requests related to NCLB. As part of these activities, this website is intended to assist policymakers--especially governors--by disseminating key information. It includes promising practices, introductions to key NCLB provisions, summaries of legislation and policy guidance, advice from experts and links. To access this information, please see the webpages below.

Implementation

• Promising Practices
• Communication Strategies
• Expert Interviews
• Flexibility in State Accountability Plans (PDF)

Legislation, guidance, regulations

• Adequate Yearly Progress
• Assessment
• Choice
• Flexibility
• Reading
• Teacher Quality
• Timeline   
• Supplemental Services
• Summaries of Legislation
• Summaries of Guidance, Regulations and Policy Letters

• NCLB Desktop Reference

• The American Association of School Administrators
  AASA's website contains resources and best practices for implementing NCLB 2001.

• The Education Commission of the States NCLB Website
  ECS' website contains useful reports, policy briefs and links.

• The National Conference of State Legislatures NCLB Website
  NCSL's website contains many useful links, including links to state consolidated plans.

• Department of Education's NCLB Website
  The Department's NCLB website includes recent federal register notices, guidance, and weekly newsletters with up-to-date information.

• No State Left Behind
  An assessment of states' readiness to implement the 2002 ESEA requirements.