School Health Nursing Services Role in Education: The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Abstract

Public Law 107–110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, represents the most sweeping reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since it was enacted in 1965. The goal of the No Child Left Behind Act is to improve the academic achievement of all American students so that they all meet their own state’s standards for competence by 2014. The law focuses on closing the achievement gap that exists among the economically disadvantaged, those with limited English proficiency, racial/ethnic minorities, and students receiving special education services. The No Child Left Behind Act has created both support and controversy in education circles. Although the No Child Left Behind Act does not legislate the practice of school nursing, as professional staff working in schools, school nurses are affected indirectly by the heightened emphasis on accountability for achievement in public education. School nurses actively promote and support achievement for all students in specific ways and help to provide a safe school environment.