Public school educators are mulling over how to bring this state into compliance with the requirement under the federal “No Child Left Behind” education law that all students be “proficient” in reading and math within twelve years. State Board of Education President Tom Davis says the word “proficiency” creates some confusion. As things stand, the requirement is that “proficiency” levels be met but there is no clear definition of “proficiency.” The federal law leaves that to the individual states to determine. This means states setting the “proficiency” level low have a better chance than Missouri – which sets the bar high – of being in compliance.
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