Education has traditionally been a state and local responsibility, but since the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002, the federal government has wielded greater authority over public schools across the country.  Now Congress has opened hearings to consider the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, and some are calling for even greater federal spending and intervention in local education.  On the other hand, a growing number of Members of Congress and state leaders have voiced support for restoring state policy decision-making and greater transparency in education.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne will share lessons from five years of implementation experience with No Child Left Behind.  He will discuss how the federal government’s current role in education is affecting public schools in Arizona and offer recommendations on the education reforms the United States needs for the 21st Century.