The philosophy supporting the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, NCLB, is agreeable. The United States Department of Education Web site explains it this way: "Under No Child Left Behind," states are working to close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency."

However the Web site goes on to outline the way it will achieve these results: "Annual state and school district report cards inform parents and communities about state and school progress. Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring or after-school assistance; take corrective actions; and, if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years, make dramatic changes to the way the school is run.

The area served by H. Grady Spruce High School fully understands the impact of the words "make drastic changes." Spruce was closed to sophomores and juniors earlier this year due to continued poor results on their Special Reports on Pupil Achievement.

In regards to the district report card, rather than A's, B's, C's, and F's, NCLB assigns Stages 1-5 to the schools regarding their performance, one being the least of the offenders and five being on the verge of reorganization or closure.