A handful of school districts are turning down federal funds in order to be free of the oppressive provisions of the NCLB Act. The Newburgh School District can probably not afford to do this. However, please consider why some districts are choosing this option. It's not an easy decision to turn down federal funds--these districts honestly believe they can provide their children a better quality education without the burdens imposed by NCLB.
Lincoln Elementary is among a small number of U.S. schools turning down Title I funds -- and gaining independence.
By Susie Pakoua Vang / The Fresno Bee
01/20/08 22:17:30LINDSAY -- Last fall, one little elementary school in this poor farm town did something startling: it said no to nearly $250,000 in federal funds.
In exchange, Lincoln Elementary gained something its teachers considered even more valuable: more independence.
"We want to do a better job than we've been able to do and we want to do that by being flexible," Principal Pam Canby said.
Lincoln is among a small number of U.S. schools -- no one can say how many for sure -- that have gained flexibility in following federal education mandates by turning down Title I funds.
In rare cases, whole school districts have rejected Title I as a way to opt out of the federal academic accountability system set up by the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. But most heed the warnings of state and federal educators who caution that the cost of giving up Title I can be steep.
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Hat tip to the Schools Matter blog.