Summarizing an Essay

A library request under any topic of interest will reveal an array of articles for use in any writing project needed. One article in particular which I would like to present for a critique at this time originated from the Christian Science Monitor, dating June 13, 2011. In this essay by Amanda Paulson entitled "Education secretary tells Congress: Change No Child Left Behind or I will" (Paulson, 2011), Paulson relates the current trend to reform this unpopular 2001 Bush administration act.

The author affirms that Education Secretary Arne Duncan has alerted congress that if they fail to act upon modifying the decade old program that he will take what-ever actions are necessary and change the law himself (Paulson, 2011). The foremost drawback with the law as it presently stands is that it anticipates that all students regardless of their abilities should be proficient within the subjects of math and reading by the year 2014. This is obviously an unattainable goal for the program and as such according to the law more of our nation's schools are being categorize as failing in their responsibilities to the students. According to Secretary Duncan more than 80% of all American schools will be branded as failed institutions under these guidelines.

Once again unfortunately, what the federal government gives to the states arrives at a cost of additionally imposed stipulations. Paulson implies that in his statement (Paulson, 2011), Secretary Duncan hints that waivers established within the law would be granted in exchanges for explicit reform measures. By addressing the issue of student proficiency for the year 2014, it is projected that he will likely impart the districts involved with added flexibility in dealing with their failing schools rather than pushing for the funds to be spent upon tutoring or for school choice alternatives.

In practice, Paulson shows that numerous states implicated have already raised their standards resulting in lowering the total number of competent students (Paulson, 2011). The secretary's immediate plans are to review the over-all growth for a specific period of time in place of evaluating the unqualified test scores attained by the students.

There are still many portions of his plan which need the details worked out but at least it is a plan that is feasible and can be placed in operation. In her article, Paulson remarks that Duncan is likely to be walking a risky line by trying to challenge Congress (Paulson, 2011).

Reference

Paulson, A. (2011). Education secretary tells Congress: Change No Child Left Behind - or I will. The science Christian monitor, retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com.library.capella.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/

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