No Child Left Behind Act
President George Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act January 8, 2002. It creates a "blue print" for raising the performance levels of education in primary and secondary schools. The Act achieves this by making States accountable for their students' performance. Yearly assessments for students grade 3 - 8 will help monitor the efforts of school districts. The NCLB allows increased flexibility in spending and aims to get parents more involved in their child's education. To ensure the quality of teachers in schools all must obtain at least a bachelors degree and pass state administered tests proving proficiency in their subject. While some find the stricter requirements unfair, those that meet them will be rewarded financially: schools will receive "No Child Left Behind" bonuses, teachers will receive a $400 tax deduction.