Framework for Transitioning from IASA to NCLB. Series Overview

This paper resulted from the work of the Study Group on Transitions in Assessments from IASA ("Improving America's Schools Act of 1994") to NCLB ("No Child Left Behind Act of 2001") comprised of state educational specialists and consultants of the Comprehensive Assessment Systems for ESEA ("Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965") Title I (CAS) State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards (SCASS). The purposes of this paper--the first in a series of issue papers--are: (1) to identify implementation issues surrounding the transition of assessments from IASA to NCLB; (2) to provide a framework for thinking about these assessment issues; (3) to provide a tool to guide decisions related to the implementation of NCLB assessment requirements; and (4) to foreshadow issues to be addressed in subsequent papers. It is primarily targeted toward policy "influencers" such as state education agency leaders, particularly directors of assessment and Title I programs, who interact with and influence policymakers and other key decision makers. Appended are: (1) Summary of Key Accountability Requirement Differences Between the 1994 and 2001 ESEA Reauthorizations; (2) NCLB Implementation Timeline; and (3) Within Year Requirements. [Report produced with CAS SCASS Study Group: Transitions in Assessment from IASA to NCLB.]