Under NCLB, each state was permitted to set its own proficiency ...

[newbem]

Under NCLB, each state was permitted to set its own proficiency benchmarks to be determined by standardized tests. According to the 2007 report The Proficiency Illusion, improvements in the passing rates on states can be largely explained by
 
  a. improved teaching at schools in danger of failing.
  b. setting a lower bar on the 8th grade test.
  c. true growth in student learning.
  d. declines in the difficulty of those tests.

Question 2

California officials predicted that by 2014, all 6,063 public schools serving _____ would be declared in need of restructuring under No Child Left Behind.
 
  a. the Central Valley
  b. the southern part of the state
  c. poor students
  d. chronic failures

[prumorgan]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: d. declines in the difficulty of those tests.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: c. poor students