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Editorial: Education by edict

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 | 8:35 a.m.

Not long after President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act in January 2002, state governments and school districts cried foul. States said federal funding was way short and school districts said the requirements were unrealistic. The Bush administration played hardball -- actually listening to those affected was apparently considered a sign of weakness.

As the election approached, however, the Bush White House began to relent. Relaxation of rules about testing special education students were announced in December. In February Education Secretary Rod Paige announced less rigid testing of students who can't speak English. This month Paige extended the time given rural teachers, science teachers and those who teach multiple subjects to meet the act's qualification requirements.

Next, Paige should announce support for more funding. More importantly, however, he should acknowledge that education is improved by working with states and school districts -- and not by issuing edicts that inspire applause during speeches but are destined for failure in real life. If this much can be learned by the No Child Left Behind experience, it will have been worth it.

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