Official warns Texas on school testing (special-ed students exempt NCLB)

[rainbow4321]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/education/stories/040905dntexspecialed.fedf.html



Education Secretary Margaret Spellings had tough words for Texas on Friday: Get with the program on testing special education students – or else.

Ms. Spellings said that under President Bush's controversial No Child Left Behind Act, Texas education officials cannot continue to exempt 9 percent of the state's pupils – or nearly 500,000 children – from federal testing rules.

"I intend to take a very strong approach to Texas," Ms. Spellings, herself a Texan, told reporters Friday in Washington, noting that she has authority to withhold a portion of federal education funds from the state. That could cost the state up to $12 million next year.



"Texas schools are caught between conflicting state and federal laws, both of which were signed by George W. Bush," said Debbie Ratcliffe, a spokeswoman for the Texas Education Agency. In 1997, when he was Texas governor, Mr. Bush signed a law requiring that most special education students take an alternative exam.

[emanymton]

1. Please Don't Go

[mbperrin]

2. Take the $12 million and stuff it....

That is 1/200 of 1% of funds for this state and we are ruining the education of all Texas children for it...so, Ms. Spelling, I courteously invite you and your boss to take a flying leap up a monkey's ass.......

[rodeodance]

3. Spellings seems to like her power!!