State sues over ‘No Child Left Behind’

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The state of Connecticut filed a federal lawsuit Monday challenging President Bush’s No Child Left Behind law, becoming the first state to fight the education reform law in court.

The lawsuit argues the law is illegal because it requires expensive standardized tests and it doesn’t pay for other school programs. The state asks a federal judge to prohibit using state and local money to meet the law’s goals.

“Our message today is give up the unfunded mandates, or give us the money,” said Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

The legal action is the latest chapter in a heated fight between Connecticut and the federal government over standardized testing.

Connecticut currently tests students in grades four, six and eight. But, under No Child Left Behind, the state is required to start testing children in grades three, five and seven this school year.

State education officials say that they already know that minority and poor children do not perform as well as their wealthy, white peers, and that additional tests are not going to tell them more.

The federal government cites annual testing is a cornerstone of the law, and United States Education Secretary Margaret Spellings has repeatedly denied requests from the state for more flexibility.

“Unfortunately, this lawsuit sends the wrong message to students, educators and parents,” said Susan Aspey, a department spokeswoman. “The funds have been provided for testing, but Connecticut apparently wants to keep those funds without using them as intended.”

Connecticut officials say they will go forward with or without the support of other states.