EducationNews.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Center for Learning Disabilities has released a comprehensive report on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) -- Rewards and Roadblocks: How Special Education Students Are Faring Under No Child Left Behind and a companion study, State Testing Accommodations: Their Value and Validity.

"NCLD has provided a review of the evidence that links improved outcomes for students with disabilities with NCLB," says Thomas Hehir, Ph.D., director of Harvard University's Graduate School of Education School Leadership Program and former director of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education. "Though more needs to be done, students with disabilities appear to be benefiting from No Child Left Behind, greater access to general curriculum, and better inclusive practices. The report provides meaningful evidence and recommendations for our nation's policy makers, and NCLD should be applauded for making it available."

The reports provide a compelling look at key states such as California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas and Wyoming and highlight NCLB's impact on students who receive special education services in our nation's schools -- almost half of whom having learning disabilities. Findings include:

• Improved rates of participation in state general assessments for all states
• Improved performance in reading and math
• Improved performance in 4th grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), where there is no corresponding improvement for students without disabilities.

"It's important for policy makers and educators alike to know the real impact of No Child Left Behind on students with disabilities, since it is truly the first time in history that we can begin to understand what achievement looks like for all school children," says James H. Wendorf, NCLD's executive director. "Our reports highlight the positive effects of this landmark law, as well as areas for improvement. We hope they generate the discussion these issues deserve."

Both reports provide recommendations for the reauthorization of NCLB, now underway in the U.S. Congress. To view the archived Webinar and to download the reports, please visit www.ld.org/NCLBReportCard.

Published June 19, 2007