I have an objection to the restrictions placed on our national education systems by the No Child Left Behind Act. It assumes that everyone is going in the same direction, at the same pace and to the same place. I am afraid it has left far too many children behind.

I believe the best motto for education to be “Take the child from where they are to where they ought to be.” This places the focus of education on the individual and their needs and desires. It does not make the assumption that people have identical abilities, needs and interests.

To be forced to focus all teaching toward the taking of a standardized test is restrictive and boring. It is time to bring creativity back to the classroom.

Nancy Willard, Woodstock