Strategy sent to Congress for reauthorization.

In a comprehensive report, the National Education Association spelled out what it will take to make the federal No Child Left Behind act work for all children.

Congress looks to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act next year. It established in 1965 and reauthorized eight times. NEA's ESEA Advisory Committee has gathered information through hearings at conferences, an online survey of association members and workshops to see what would make NCLB work.

NEA supports the goals of NCLB, but says the law undermines state and school district authority. It "shifts public dollars to the private sector through supplemental educational services and takeovers of public schools by for-profit companies," the proposal states.

Here are some proposals for 2007 reauthorization:

* Quality programs that meet all children's needs. Students must have access to pre-K, after-school intervention programs, breakfast and lunch, health care; counseling; safe transportation and drug-free schools.

* High expectations with rigorous curriculum. Critical thinking, problem solving, and a deep understanding of content is pertinent. Curriculum must align with standards.

* Quality conditions for teaching and lifelong learning. Smaller class sizes, i.e., 15 students; up-to-date textbooks; policies that encourage shared decision-making among staff; and having timely data of student progress.

* Parental and community engagement. Policies should help families and communities be involved in schools.

* Adequate and sustainable funding. Making taxes fair and eliminating inefficient business subsidies to ensure equitable funding.

The committee also proposes an accountability system using growth models to assess achievement.