Who Suffers From NCLB

As we all contemplate over the effectiveness of NCLB, there is no doubt that it was implemented to "bridge the gap" between students of various academic levels. As stated in an earlier blog, in theory it seems like a great idea, and is proving to actual work in most cases (just not necessarily in the unrealistic time frame given).
Recently there was an article in the New York Times that brings up a point that most people never think of, which is the lack of attention that the more privileged children are getting. So much focus is being put on the students who are struggling, that we begin to forget that all children need to be motivated and challenged on a regular basis.
For some teachers this may be a Major dilemma. Teaching jobs are at times put into jeopardy based on the results students get on test scores. If this is the case, a gifted student's interests may be put off to the side for the simple fact that they are going to score well regardless on standardized tests throughout the year. Recent studies have shown that while lower scoring students have been increasing test scores at a high rate, gifted students have shown little or no improvement.

Here is a link to the article - hope you enjoy it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/education/18child.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin