Jigsaw Assignment: No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

The jigsaw technique is a cooperative learning technique that was first developed in the early 1970s by Elliot Aronson and his students at the University of Texas and the University of California. In this approach, each group member is given a different piece of information that that s/he must learn and then teach to the other members of his/her group. Just as in a jigsaw puzzle, each piece--each student's part--is essential for the completion and understanding of the final product. Therefore, group members must work together as a team to accomplish a common goal. This approach is not only an efficient way to teach and learn but also “facilitates interaction among all students in the class, leading them to value each other as contributors to their common task” (Aronson, 2000, http://www.jigsaw.org/index.html).

This Jigsaw focuses on the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Take a look at http://mpls.startribune.com/dynamic/no_child/district.php for a list of Minnesota NCLB test results. See how your school district did on the MCA-II.

Read the articles/information in your packet. Be prepared to meet at the beginning of next class with other students who received the same packet in order to plan what you will present to the other four students in your group. Your piece of the puzzle is indicated by the number at the top of this page. Brief instructions are given below:

 

1) Those with this number should carefully review information on NCLB and provide their group with a concise overview of the law and its provisions.

2) Students assigned to subtopic two are to present a brief overview of the history of NCLB, including information on the ESEA of 1965. NCLB reauthorized this law. Therefore, understanding the ESEA of 1965 will help put NCLB in a historical perspective.

 

3) Number threes should provide a favorable perspective on NCLB. Your goal should be to describe the benefits of NCLB and offer arguments against changing or revoking the law.

 

4) Number fours are to provide a negative perspective on NCLB. You should offer criticisms of and arguments against the law as well as suggesting changes.

5) Students receiving packet number five are to provide updates regarding recent news about NCLB. You should summarize recent changes and happenings related to the law. Print this list and add it to your packet. Also print http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/national/main3494847.shtml, http://americanobserver.net/2008/03/05/no-child-left-behind/, and http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=22855 for recent developments regarding NCLB reauthorization.