Página 2 de 3
Do you have any further thoughts for our audience about school or district accountability under NCLB for improving kids' academic performance?
Ms. Cortiella
One thing that parents of students with disabilities should look out for is the varying [minimum] size of the subgroup of students with disabilities that states are setting to determine whether a school is required to report (disaggregate) this subgroup's test results. States have petitioned the U.S. Department of Education to raise the minimum size requirement for the subgroup of students with disabilities. In some states, the required subgroup size is set so high that it results in less than 15% of schools reporting on the test results of students with disabilities. This will pretty much eliminate the school's accountability for the academic performance of this group.
So, find out about your state's subgroup size requirement, and, more importantly, what percentage of schools in the state won't be required to report data because of the required subgroup size. If the required minimum subgroup size equates to a large percentage of the total school population [15-20%], I'd suggest talking with your state's Board of Education about reducing it. [NCLB requires that states establish a minimum subgroup size that is large enough to (a) yield statistically reliable information and (b) not reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student. States have established minimum subgroup sizes ranging from 5 to 200 students.]
How much can NCLB really do to address teacher quality? Can NCLB help parents get a teacher who understands how to teach to different learning styles?
Ms. Cortiella
NCLB requires that all teachers of core content be highly qualified by 2005-06. That would [result in] a huge improvement across the country. Plus, under the Title II provisions of NCLB, states get grants to fund improving their teacher force. Schools must also make sure that teachers are using instructional practices that are scientifically based and proven to be effective. This will help eliminate the "pendulum swing" in teaching approaches and bring the research that informs teaching closer to the manner in which research informs the practice of medicine. This will help students with LD immensely!
What is a Title II school?
Ms. Cortiella
Title II doesn't pertain to schools; [in effect, there is no such thing as a "Title II school."] Title II is the section of NCLB that pertains to teacher quality, and grants [that are available to states and districts to improve teacher recruitment, hiring, and retention]. The parent guide on NCLB indicates which NCLB provisions pertain to Title I schools and which pertain to all schools.
What is the definition of "highly qualified"? Isn't it vastly different from state to state?
Ms. Cortiella
"Highly qualified" teachers must meet three requirements: Hold a bachelor's degree, be fully certified/licensed to teach, and have demonstrated sufficient subject matter competency. Requirements differ if teachers are new to the profession and also differ, to some extent, by the grade level they teach. [The "highly qualified" designation] applies only to teachers teaching in core academic subjects [English, reading, language arts, mathematics, science, foreign language, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography. NCLB leaves it for states to determine what is included in the "arts"]. Special education itself is not a core academic subject.
These requirements don't vary across states. How states determine that teachers are competent in content areas does vary, however. There are slightly differing provisions for special education teachers. Of course, the special education teacher "highly qualified" provision may be changed as part of the reauthorization of IDEA, currently underway in Congress.
What prevents states setting all requirements at the lowest possible levels?
Ms. Cortiella
The scrutiny of the U.S. Department of Education, hopefully. All NCLB accountability plans had to be approved by the U.S. DOE. There has been great variance among the states on a variety of requirements, however. This is the main reason why NCLB results cannot be compared across states. Again, the consumer also needs to provide some scrutiny.
Is there any way that we can improve the quality of paraprofessional assistance, all the way down to the local level, through future changes to the NCLB Act?
Ms. Cortiella
The requirements regarding qualifications for paraprofessionals in NCLB only apply to Title I schools. So, while we'll see improvements in those schools, it won't be as widespread as the improvement we'll see in teacher quality. I know of no attempts to change or broaden the requirements for paraprofessionals' qualifications [beyond those currently in NCLB, although many states have requirements for paraprofessionals in place].
Another topic that comes up along with NCLB is the troubles students with learning disabilities are having with high-stakes testing. Can tests required by NCLB be used for high-stakes decisions? Can high-stakes tests be used to fulfill the requirements of NCLB?
Ms. Cortiella
I'm so glad you asked about this! NCLB does not require or encourage states to attach high-stakes consequences for individual students to their performance on the assessments required under NCLB. However, states are free to do so, and many have done just that. Many states were already in the process of phasing in high-stakes testing, such as exit exams, before NCLB, so this isn't even an NCLB-related practice.
It is critical for parents to disentangle issues arising from high-stakes testing in their state and issues arising from NCLB testing requirements. Generally, high-stakes testing practices have been approved by state boards of education, after years of planning and input from the public, as well as many years of phase-in, before students are held to the requirements, such as passing an exit exam in order to get a standard diploma.
Related Content
¿Qué es la FAPE y qué puede significar para mi hijo?
FAPE es la sigla en inglés de Educación pública gratis y apropiada (Free and Appropriate Public Education). Es uno de los conceptos más incomprendidos de la ley IDEA (Ley de educación para individuos con discapacidades). Con frecuencia el la mayor causa de conflicto entre los pad...
More >
Knowing Your Child's Rights
Your child has the right to a free and appropriate public school education. Getting involved in his or her education is among the most important things you can do as your child's advocate. As you'll see below, you have a right to be a part of every decision regarding your child's edu...
More >
Cómo abogar por su hijo en edad escolar
Su hijo tiene derecho a una educación pública gratuita y apropiada. Involucrarse en la educación de su hijo es una de las cosas más importantes que puede hacer como defensor de su hijo. Como se verá más adelante, usted tiene derecho a ser parte de todas las decisiones respecto a...
More >
Habilidades esenciales para convertirse en defensor de su hijo
Aprender las habilidades esenciales para convertirse en defensor de su hijo y asegurarse de que su hijo reciba una educación apropiada, no requiere de mucho dinero ni de años de escolaridad. Todo lo que necesita es aprender cinco habilidades básicas y aplicarlas consistentemente en...
More >
How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children
Parents are often the best educational advocates for their children, especially children with a learning disability. True advocacy is a largely positive process, which should build on your child's strengths and challenges. As your child's best advocate, you are in a unique position t...
More >
Cómo abogar por su niño en edad preescolar
Ser un defensor significa saber cómo asegurarse de que su hijo reciba la ayuda que necesita para tener éxito. Para los niños que experimentan dificultades de aprendizaje, nunca es demasiado pronto para empezar a buscar formas de ayudarles a tener éxito en el aprendizaje. Incluso a...
More >
How IDEA Can Help You Help Your Child
If a bear cub wanders into your campsite, you know to be extra cautious — because you know somewhere in the underbrush there's a mama bear ready to protect her young. As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child. When it comes to making sure your child is being afforded ev...
More >
Getting Started At Home
Here are ten initial ways that parents can help their children with learning disabilities (LD).
Learn more about learning disabilities
Information on learning disabilities can help you understand that your child does not learn in the same way as other people do. Find out as ...
More >
Familias de Militares y Estudiantes con Discapacidad de Aprendizaje – Panorama General
¿Es usted (o su cónyuge) un miembro de los milicia de los EE.UU. que además está criando un hijo que padece alguna discapacidad? Si es así, puede estar seguro que no está solo. De acuerdo con la congresista Susan Davis (D-CA, y Presidente de la Subcomisión de Asuntos del Pers...
More >
NCLB and Students who Struggle with Learning
An Online Chat with Candace Cortiella
On August 18, 2004, SchwabLearning.org hosted an online chat with Candace Cortiella, a national expert in special education law and an advocate for children with learning disabilities, as well a member of the professional advisory board for the...
More >
Special Education Laws and Rights for the Military Child
Growing up in a military family has its advantages and adventures, but for kids with learning disabilities (LD) and others who need special education services , the road can be rocky. Whether your child is being evaluated for special education services or is already enrolled, you’l...
More >
High School Diploma Options and Students with LD
The following is a transcription of the podcast, “High School Diploma Options and Students with LD (audio).”
In this podcast from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Candace Cortiella interviews two experts about high school diploma options and their implicat...
More >
High School Diploma Options and Students with LD (audio)
In this podcast from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Candace Cortiella interviews two experts about high school diploma options and their impact on students with learning disabilities (LD). Her guests are Laura Kaloi, public policy director for the NCLD, and Dr. Marth...
More >
A Parent's Perspective — Twenty Years Later
What have I learned after weaving my way through the special education maze?Knowledge is power — you must be as informed as possible about your child's disability AND your child's strengths. You must know the law and how to use it. You must have good communication skills. You must b...
More >
Cómo aprovechar al máximo la red de información y capacitación para padres
La siguiente es una transcripción del podcast “Cómo aprovechar al máximo la red de información y capacitación para padres (audio)”
Candace Cortiella: En nombre del Centro Nacional de Discapacidades de Aprendizaje, me gustaría darles la bienvenida a Connie Hawkins y ...
More >
Support for Military Families Whose Children Have Special Needs
The following is a transcription of the podcast, “Support for Military Families Whose Children have Special Needs (audio).”
In this NCLD podcast, Candace Cortiella speaks with Heather Hebdon, Executive Director of the Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP), part...
More >
10 Tips for Preparing a State or Due Process Complaint
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides options for resolving disputes between schools and parents. Two of these options are state complaints and due process complaints. Either of these options could be used to address matters involving a school district’s d...
More >
My Child Has LD—Isn’t He Automatically Eligible for Services?
Once you learn that your child has a learning disability (LD), you’re undoubtedly wondering how to get your child the services he needs to be successful in school. But services are not automatically given to students when they are identified as having LD. A diagnosis of LD does not ...
More >
My child is struggling 
Now that my child has 
