INSIDE WASHINGTON

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today approved Georgia's state accountability system aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. Secretary Paige made the announcement at the Georgia state house, where he was joined by U.S. Reps. Mac Collins, Phil Gingrey, and Johnny Isakson; State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox; and other state and local officials. "Today, I am pleased to announce that Georgia is the 20th state to win approval," Secretary Paige said. "I congratulate Superintendent Cox and everyone who worked so hard in partnership with us to get this done. This is proof that Georgia is committed to high standards and high expectations. It's a huge achievement, and I thank you for all your hard work so every child in Georgia is educated and no child is left behind." Under NCLB's strong accountability provisions, states must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including disadvantaged students, achieve academic proficiency. In addition, they must produce annual state and school district report cards that inform parents and communities about state and school progress. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services such as free tutoring or after-school assistance, take corrective actions and -- if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years -- must make dramatic changes to the way the school is run. Georgia is the 20th state to gain approval. Other states whose plans have been approved include Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia.[...]