Hoosiers Chime In On No Child Left Behind Law

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(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana was years ahead of the rest of the nation in setting academic standards for its schools. But there’s still some grumbling about the federal law requiring them.

The No Child Left Behind law requires schools to show improvement in each individual subgroup -- black, white, hispanic, rich, poor and so on. Many Indiana schools have grumbled they missed the cutoff because their special-ed students didn't make the grade.

State School Superintendent Suellen Reed sees a similar problem with a growing number of immigrant students just learning english. She says it takes three years to become proficient in a new language, yet the test is given right away.

Reed's not joining those calling for repeal of the law. She says she's seen noticeable improvements in reading since the law took effect.

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