Test Scores Up Since NCLB

According to a "major independent study," the Washington Post is reporting that test scores in reading and math are up.

The study's authors warned that it is difficult to say whether or how much the No Child Left Behind law is driving the achievement gains. But Republican and Democratic supporters of the law said the findings indicate that it has been a success. Some said the findings bolster the odds that Congress will renew the controversial law this year.

The spin is in and getting furious. From Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings:

"This study confirms that No Child Left Behind has struck a chord of success with our nation's schools and students," U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said in a statement. "We know the law is working, so now is the time to reauthorize."

From the AFT:

"There are a lot of problems with No Child Left Behind that we need to fix because they work against some of the progress that is being noted in this study," said Edward J. McElroy, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a 1.3 million-member union.

The study can be found here and the group behind the study is the Center on Education Policy.

More once I read the study.