Debra Craig, author of "Why is the Teacher's Butt So Big?" Launches Nationwide Campaign To Educate the 59% of Parents Who Don't Know About NCLB

Author/teacher Debra Craig gives broadcast media a "D-" in educating parents about the No Child Left Behind Act and is determined to do the job they haven't done.

Moreno Valley, CA (PRWEB) August 26, 2005 -- Author and educational advocate Debra Craig announced on Thursday that she is launching her own media campaign to increase awareness and educate parents on the details of the 2002 landmark educational legislation, No Child Left Behind, a job she feels network, cable, and local television news organizations have failed miserably at.

"The government thinks that teachers are failing schools because students are not achieving on state mandated testing. Well, why dont they take a good look at the media and see what kind of job they are doing in educating their parents about the educational policies going on in this country," said this veteran teacher. "Oh, but why would they do that? The No Child Left Behind Act has nothing to do with missing teenagers, celebrity court cases,or experts trying to capture a crocodile," laments Debra.

This author/public school teacher made these comments after hearing the results of the 2005 Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll on the state of education which reported that over half of the 1000 people polled said they know little or nothing about the law."

"This is shocking to me. I found it hard to believe. We live in an age of information overload whether it be from network and cable television shows, talk radio, newspapers, and the internet. Public education is being commandeered by this powerful legislation, yet 59% of people don't know what it is about? This is so sad! Our children's schools are so important, yet the one thing that has so much influence over schools, No Child Left Behind, and parents know nothing about it. Whoever said ignorance was bliss, obviously didn't have children enrolled in public schools," reflected Debra.

Debra is on a mission to change that. Instead of just teaching students, I feel like now it is my job to educate the parents of students on what No Child Left Behind is all about. This legislation needs to be changed, or better yet, eliminated, and if parents understood why, maybe they would put pressure on their Representative or Senator in Congress to make it a reality."

Part of the reason Debra is so passionate about making parents aware of what this landmark educational policy is because of how it is changing schools for the worse. "Everything now is about the test! Teachers are being dictated what to teach, how to teach, and even when to teach. I know schools that are being told by their district to give a math test all on a certain day, even if their students arent ready for it. The teachers must follow the pacing guide! This is insane!"

What are her other criticisms she want parents to know about the No Child Left Behind? The former kindergarten teachers share her top four concerns.

1.    NCLB puts no accountability on the students and parents for improving test scores. Its all about the teachers.

2.    NCLB assumes that ALL children, regardless of life circumstances, family history, biological makeup, or medical conditions are able to reach this proficient level. If we all can achieve to the same standards then why not create a No Adult Left Behind" and make it mandatory we all have to earn a certain income level. Look at all of the problems this would solve.

3.    NCLB thinks how well a person is educated can be determined by one test given at the end of the school year. Dont they know that people learn in different ways and at different rates? Why do they expect us all to be the same? Our country was built by people who came to this country with a diversity of talents and strengths. Why shouldnt we still embrace this in our educational system?

4. NCLB is a fake. Contrary to what the government wants the public to think, after three years of NCLB, the "achievement gap" still exists. Why can't they just admit it? Maybe a student's success isn't all about the schools and teachers.

Debra writes about other problems with No Child Left Behind and things she doesnt understand about public education in her new book, "Why Is the Teachers Butt So Big? Plus 111 Other Mysteries of Public Education." It will be available September 3, 2005 and can be preordered now at Amazon.com.

Debra is available for interviews and will do what it takes to increase the publics awareness about No Child Left Behind. Debra can be contacted at Debracraig@hotmail.com or phone her at (951) 247-6980.

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