Leaving education behind.

No Child Left Behind is getting tougher on schools... and faculty are trying to compensate to avoid consequences like layoffs and school-funded tutoring. NCLB states that by the 2013-14 school year all students must pass tests in math and reading. For those of you who aren't math savvy, that's 100 percent. Every student must pass in order for schools to avoid strict consequences. Yet districts aren't being allotted the funding to accommodate the increasing need for faculty in order to accomplish these goals. As a result, corners could be cut as far as the type of education America's children are getting.
Supporters of NCLB say that by pushing schools and educators to ensure students pass standardized testing, the country ensures a brighter generation. However, dissidents insist that by forcing every child to pass a standardized test hinders a proper education. Teachers are forced -- especially on a tight budget -- to lower the caliber of the material they teach in order to get everyone through. Or they are forced to lecture on only what will be on a standardized test, leaving out many other important subjects like art and music -- which are both losing massive funding because of the focus on math and reading as a result of NCLB.
Currently, scores are up across the country. Is this because our children are getting a better education? Are they getting brighter? Or is it because everyone gets an award regardless of actual merit?
There's a disturbing "laissez-faire" parenting movement happening that is teaching children that they have no restrictions. By giving no restrictions and letting a child "figure it out" alone, it instills no drive and presents an idea that everyone is just as special as the next. There is no authority, no drive for excellence or competitive initiative. If Johnny shows up and gets an award, then why should Timmy put forth the effort to receive the exact same award, or even one a bit better? Timmy is shown through example that just being there is enough to garner some sort of recognition. Where's the motivation for success?