Story perspectives

Education Expert: NCLB's Targets Widened Achievement Gap

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Eric Hanushek highlights that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 set unrealistic proficiency targets, triggering failures and backlash against federal oversight.
In 2015, accountability shifted back to states, leading some jurisdictions to reduce efforts.
Hanushek's research shows the achievement gap widened, with lower achievers suffering more after 2013.
He emphasized consistent education and parental involvement, noting high absenteeism rates in urban school systems as a major concern.

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Story summary

Eric Hanushek highlights that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 set unrealistic proficiency targets, triggering failures and backlash against federal oversight.
In 2015, accountability shifted back to states, leading some jurisdictions to reduce efforts.
Hanushek's research shows the achievement gap widened, with lower achievers suffering more after 2013.
He emphasized consistent education and parental involvement, noting high absenteeism rates in urban school systems as a major concern.