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Wis. Attorney General:
NCLB Reforms Can't Be Forced

 

By TODD RICHMOND, Associated Press Writer

       MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's attorney general has issued an opinion that the federal government can't force states to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act without fully funding it. The opinion released Thursday was the first in the country from a state attorney general on the education reform measure, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
       Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager said "clear and compelling" language in the law itself says the federal government can't make states or school districts pay the law's mandated costs for improved education. The opinion could be the first step toward a lawsuit challenging the law, said Scott Young, NCSL education policy associate. State education officials did not immediately return messages from The Associated Press Thursday evening.
       No Child Left Behind is the centerpiece of President Bush's domestic agenda. Teachers and lawmakers nationwide have criticized the measure, saying it costs too much and its requirements are too strict. The law mandates that all school children be proficient in math and reading by 2014. It requires districts to identify schools with weak reading and math test scores and begin applying sanctions if the scores do not improve. Penalties range from making schools implement tutoring programs to letting students transfer to higher-achieving schools. Non-failing schools might have to expand to take in more students, which could drive up property taxes, the attorney general's opinion said.
       The law "doesn't really help education," said state Sen. Fred Risser, who asked Lautenschlager for the opinion. "Education needs smaller class sizes and well-paid teachers. This bill doesn't give any of these items. The law could cost taxpayers millions of dollars." U.S. Department of Education officials didn't immediately return a message left at their offices Thursday evening.