Education Secretary visits improving Chattanooga schools

“Your (test) results are really powerful,” Spellings told students at Orchard Knob Middle and Elementary schools. “You are a role model not only for the state of Tennessee, you are a role model for the country.”

The middle school was one of eight in the state that moved from a high-priority list to good standing following the standards set by the act, which was signed by President Bush in 2001. The act sets targets on standardized tests in math and reading, attendance and other areas.

Spellings also participated in a discussion with local business leaders and school board members. She expressed interest in an incentive program for teachers that offers bonus pay for high test scores and student attendance.

“She was really interested in the incentive pay for urban schools,” Hamilton County Board of Education chairman Chip Baker told the Chattanooga Times Free Press. “There was a lot of discussion about it being a model for the nation.”

Although many schools nationwide have shown improvements under the act, some politicians and educators have criticized it. Connecticut filed a lawsuit Monday that claims the federal government has not provided enough money to pay for the testing and programs associated with the 2001 law.

“I just see that as a red herring,” Spellings said of the lawsuit after a speech Wednesday to the Atlanta Press Club. “What are they afraid of knowing, I guess, is one of the things I’d like to know.”

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On the Net:

U.S. Department of Education, http://www.ed.gov