As I understand it, this education law has existed for some time. The "No Child Left Behind" mandate is its current incarnation. It is clearly time to change the way it is structured, as it does not improve the education experience for all -- or even most -- kids.

I provide professional development to teachers. What I have seen as a result of this mandate is teachers teaching to the test, in a desperate effort to achieve scores and therefore assure funding for their schools. Inquiry, creativity, and approaches to teaching that address the needs of the wide variety of learning styles among children -- these are reduced or eliminated in favor of a standard that serves only a few learners. In addition, recess is reduced or eliminated to allow for more testing time. Recess is essential time for children to be outside and active, building social skills, expressing their creativity, getting fresh air, and staying fit. The other essentials that suffer? Those things that help develop thoroughly educated, well-rounded individuals such as languages, music and art.

Children are unique. Their learning styles are diverse. We cannot continue with an education mandate that establishes rigid and narrow standards.