As States Rebel Against Testing in ”No Child Left Behind” Law
As schools open this month, 47 states are in some "stage of rebellion" against Bush’s 3-year-old "No Child Left Behind" policy, according to a study by the Civil Society Institute, a nonpartisan advocacy group. Solutions like MINDSprinting, designed to create affordable access to supplemental education in math and reading, may take center stage to close the economic gap.
"We all agree that supplemental education, particularly in math and reading, helps students of all levels of family income improve. But historically, tutoring and learning centers have proven too costly for the average citizen, never mind the poor, who really suffer a lack of affordable education options," says Steve Golden, CEO of MINDSprinting.
A report by the Center for American Progress and Institute for America’s future finds that by age 9, low-income students read on a level three years behind their better-off peers. Nationwide, only 15 percent of low-income fourth-graders can read proficiently, compared to 41 percent for more affluent students. In theory, that’s what the No Child Left Behind law should have helped. But about 20 states may opt out and forego the funding, largely because a rigid testing structure that in many cases seems to take the child out of the equation.
When it comes to providing the best K-12 education for their children, schools have a lot to offer but each student is different. Some may need enrichment, while others need remedial help to master an upcoming test or a difficult course. Parents and teachers are increasingly seeking programs to augment the individual needs of students, which vary significantly depending on many factors, including economy.
MINDSprinting offers a proven method of teaching-worksheets delivered via the Internet, which makes it a convenient and affordable alternative to other tutoring programs. The cost is $15 per month, which is a fraction of the cost of comparable tutors and learning centers.
The student as an individual is what has been lost in the "No Child Left Behind" Laws. Golden states, "The MINDSprinting program is unique in that the student takes an initial assessment test to identify the their particular skill levels. With the results of this test, the system tailors a program at the level appropriate for the student and then continues to assign lessons based on the student’s performance."
Consistent lesson and unit testing provide guidance through each unit, identifying the areas that require improvement and advancing students through skills they have mastered. It’s a method of teaching and learning based upon mastery learning theory, designed to promote comprehension rather than passive memorization and rigid, one-size-fits-all testing.
Real-time feedback is integral to the learning process for the student as well as the parents. Parents can access a detailed transcript report, each time they log in. This report is a valuable tool for communication with teachers.
Students have access to progress reports, bar charts, congratulatory messages, and printable achievement certificates. Students feel forward momentum and personal progress, thereby increasing their self-esteem. For more information, visit www.mindsprinting.com.
About MINDSprinting
MINDSprinting is the premier online destination for parents, students, teachers and employers seeking a proven supplemental education program in math and reading comprehension. Our core curriculum has been honed for more than 20 years and has helped hundred of thousands of students improve their skills and excel in education, and in life. For more information visit www.mindsprinting.com.