Join Oregon school boards -- and the OSBA -- to urge Congress to pass H.R. 648. This bill offers improvements that address many of the unintended consequences of the federal legislation, while holding states and school districts accountable.

Your OSBA Board will attend the NSBA's Federal Relations Network conference Feb. 2 to 5 at our nation's Capitol - we'd love to bring your school board's resolution with us when we meet with our congressional representatives to gain their support. I know the time is short, but if you've scheduled a meeting between now and Feb. 4, please consider adding this to your agenda.

This bill addresses many of the unintended consequences of the federal legislation through increased flexibility, while still holding us accountable. It reflects NSBA's draft legislation and contains more than 40 provisions to improve five areas: Assessments, Measuring Adequate Yearly Progress, Sanctions, State Flexibility by the U.S. Department of Education and Non-Public Schools.

I strongly urge you to help us bring rationality - along with accountability - to this important Act. If you adopt a resolution (or already have) let us know! Send an email to Tricia Yates and we'll add your voice to the strength of our message.

More information on the NCLB reform campaign from NSBA

This sample resolution is available for download. Select the desired format below:

Microsoft Word Format (23Kb)

WordPerfect Format (8Kb)

Resolution Supporting Reform of the federal No Child Left Behind law as Embodied by H.R. 648, the No Child Left Behind Improvements Act of 2007

WHEREAS, on January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, which applies to all school districts and schools within states that accept federal Title I dollars; and 

WHEREAS, the (School Board name) supports the goals of NCLB of raising student achievement; closing the achievement gap; and ensuring that each child has a highly qualified teacher; and 

WHEREAS, the (School Board name) continues to welcome the accountability for improving student and school performance; and 

WHEREAS, the (School Board name) has had five years of operational experience in implementing NCLB; and 

WHEREAS, the (School Board name) has identified improvements that could be made to NCLB that would eliminate barriers to full implementation of the federal law; and 

WHEREAS, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) developed draft legislation based on input from local school boards across the nation that would address the concerns of local school boards, and improve the implementation of NCLB; and 

WHEREAS, in April 2006 the NSBA Delegate Assembly re-affirmed its support of federal legislation that is consistent with the NSBA draft legislation; and 

WHEREAS, in January 2007 Representative Don Young (R-AK-AL) introduced legislation, the No Child Left Behind Improvements Act of 2007, H.R. 648, that is consistent with the NSBA draft legislation, and has strong bipartisan support from the bill's co-sponsors: Representatives Mike Ross (D-AR-4), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI-11), Charlie Melancon (D-LA-3), Todd Platts (R-PA-19), Steven Rothman (D-NJ-9), and Jo Bonner (R-AL-1) ;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the (School Board name) urges (your Representative(s) name(s)) to fully support H.R. 648 by becoming a co-sponsor of the bill, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the (School Board name) seek the support of local community and civic leaders and appropriate members of the Oregon State Legislative Assembly in encouraging (your Representative(s) name(s)) to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 648, and be it finally 

RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to members of the Oregon U.S. congressional delegation, the governor, the members of the Oregon State Legislative Assembly, and Susan Castillo, Superintendent of Public Instruction.