Obama Allows States to Opt Out of No Child Left Behind

There has been plenty of criticism over No Child Left Behind, but now it seems states who don't like the plan don't have to use it.

Last week, President Barack Obama announced he would allow states to bypass the requirements of No Child Left Behind. If states take the offer, students will no longer have to prove they are proficient in reading and math, so long as the states agree to implement a new set of condition to help prepare kids for college and careers.

While some states are quickly jumping on the opt-out offers, other states, like Texas, are taking more of a "wait-and-see" approach. Opponents' argue that this new plan would "clearly politicize education policy." and that there is no guarantee letting states remove the requirements would improve the quality education. Personally, I agree with the opposition. Removing the so-called "restrictions" of No Child Left Behind isn't going to just instantly improve education. Whether education really improves or not depends on the measures the states put in place after No Child.

What do you think? Should states have the option to bypass the No Child Left Behind requirements? Should the federal government even have a say in state education?