Alignment of Academic Standards with ELL Proficiency Standards
Krystine M. Ngo
Grand Canyon University ESL-223N SEI English Language Teaching: Foundations & Methodologies
September 30, 2011
Prof. Janice Norris
Alignment of Academic Standards with ELL Proficiency Standards
Education reform is a major effort of the government to provide fair education for primary and secondary students with different social economic backgrounds, culture diversity and the English language learners. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act signed in 1965 by President Johnson marked the first movement of the reform effort. Originally, this Act supposed to end by 1970, however, it was reauthorized every five years and most recently the name was changed to Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 then Improving America’s School Act in 1994 and finally is called No Child Left Behind in 2001 under President Bush administration. Throughout different administrations and name changes the Act retained its purpose to provide educational access, establish accountability and standards, create an equal opportunity for all students to achieve the highest education level; the funding is also to support teachers in their professional development, additional resources for educational program, instructional materials and parental involvement to assist underprivileged students to close the achievement gap (No Child Left Behind Act, 2002-2011). Across America political officials, educators and public figures agree that changes need to be made in our education system to make a concrete different to students and see better schools. Standards-Based Reform was introduced, and especially emphasized in the No Child Left Behind Act. Among many other arenas like providing resources to support the students in need, improve teachers’ skills and preparation, and integrating technology in education, this Act focuses on