The Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002, which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, was intended to breathe new life into U.S. schools--to raise the achievement level of elementary and secondary schools and ensure that all children have equal access to a quality education. Signed into law by President George W. Bush, it was founded on four fundamental principles: (1) increased accountability for school districts and schools in terms of meeting state academic standards in math and reading; (2) school choice for parents and students who wish to transfer out of a "failing" school; (3) greater flexibility for states, school districts, and schools in deciding how best to use federal education funds awarded for achievement; and (4) federal funds to promote quality reading programs for K-3 students--the President's Reading First initiative. While a lot of educators believe in the goals of NCLB, many others believe that the act is actually hurting efforts to improve the quality of public education and to close achievement gaps between students, especially disadvantaged students. This article cites several reasons why NCLB should be reevaluated.