President Obama's quest for a renewed, tougher No Child Left Behind

IT'S GOOD news that the Obama administration will seek reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. Also welcome is its interest in fixing some of the law's failings, such as the fact that states have been able to game the system with low standards. It's critical, though, that in seeking to repair the law's imperfections, the administration not retreat from its most important legacy: that schools be accountable for their students' achievement.

Outlines of the administration's plan concerning NCLB, also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, were included in the fiscal 2011 budget proposal released Monday. Two big changes -- both controversial -- are sought: revamping the yardstick used to measure schools' progress, and shifting to doling out federal funds based on competition and performance rather than by formula.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan said details of the proposal are still being worked out. Much attention is focused on what would replace the "adequate yearly progress" standard that requires schools to test students in English and math. The current system can produce warped results; it would be an improvement to measure how much students progress each year rather than just taking snapshots of a given grade's performance. It's encouraging that Mr. Duncan is advocating higher standards.

But the administration's commitment not to turn the clock back on reform can't be judged until the specifics of its plan are known. We are particularly interested in how it will get school systems to do a better job of delivering on the promise that students most in need will get the teachers most able to help them. It also will be tricky to ensure that an attempt to bring more flexibility to measurements doesn't provide a way to dodge true accountability. Mr. Duncan has demonstrated a refreshing willingness to stand up for teacher performance pay and charter schools. So, like many others who see more good than bad in NCLB, we're waiting to see if the administration comes up with legislation that is as tough as its words.