No Child Left Behind

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Superintendent Mick Zais’ drafted proposal for changing how No Child Left Behind works in South Carolina includes giving schools a letter grade for their performance, rewarding high achievers with money, and rating teachers’ classroom effectiveness. Like most states, South Carolina is applying for a waiver to the federal accountability law that requires every child to meet grade-level standards by 2014. Schools must meet all of their goals yearly to be labeled as making adequate progress, up to 37 goals yearly. Zais told The Associated Press on Friday the all-or-nothing system is confusing to parents and demoralizing for educators. The agency is seeking input through Jan. 23 on the state’s drafted waiver application. The agency was putting it online Friday afternoon. Zais plans to hold meetings across the state.