NCLB update (http://www.ed.gov/nclb/).

On January 9, Secretary Spellings joined President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at North Glen Elementary School in Glen Burnie, Maryland, to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the No Child Left Behind Act. "I'm here today to talk about the spirit of the No Child Left Behind Act, the evidence that says it's working, and my deep desire to work with Congress," the President said, "to make sure it continues to have the desired effect on children all across the country." He also issued a warning to those seeking to fundamentally alter the legislation (up for reauthorization in 2007): "I'll fight any attempt to [roll back the accountability in Washington, D.C.]. I'm just not going to let it happen. We're making too much progress." Indeed, North Glen's students have made great progress. Reading proficiency increased from 57 percent in 2003 to 82 percent in 2005, and mathematics proficiency increased from 46 percent in 2003 to 84 percent in 2005. Further, among African-American students, reading proficiency increased from 45 percent in 2003 to 84 percent in 2005, and mathematics proficiency increased from 35 percent in 2003 to 82 percent in 2005. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/01/20060109-2.html. (Secretary Spellings' statement is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2006/01/01092006.html, and a new fact sheet, " No Child Left Behind is Working," is posted at http://www.ed.gov/nclb/overview/importance/nclbworking.html.)

That afternoon, Secretary Spellings participated in an "Ask the White House" chat (http://www.whitehouse.gov/ask/20060109.html). And, the "Teachers Ask the Secretary" web site (http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/reform/teachersask/) has been updated, covering a range of topics.

Meanwhile, the Department is accepting nominations for its 2006 American Stars of Teaching awards, which recognize teachers who are improving student achievement--using innovative strategies--and making a difference in the lives of their students. Anyone can nominate an American Star. After the Department receives a nomination, a verification form is sent to the teacher's principal. The deadline is April 15. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.teacherquality.us/TeacherToTeacher/AmericanStars.asp. (For the latest news and information, subscribe to Teacher Updates at http://www.teacherquality.us/.)