# Rod Paige, former Education Secretary who supported ‘No Child Left Behind,’ passes away at 92
Rod Paige, the first Black person to hold the position of Education Secretary, has passed away at the age of 92. Paige was known for his support of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ initiative during George W. Bush’s administration. His tenure as Education Secretary was marked by both praise and controversy, as he worked to improve public education nationwide.
## A Legacy of Education Reform
Rod Paige served as Education Secretary from 2001 to 2005, under President George W. Bush. He was a strong advocate for education reform and believed in the power of accountability in improving student outcomes. Paige played a key role in the development and implementation of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at raising academic standards and closing the achievement gap in American schools.
The ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act, signed into law in 2002, required states to set standards for student performance and measure progress through standardized testing. It also mandated that schools make adequate yearly progress toward meeting these standards, with consequences for those that failed to do so. While the law was controversial and faced criticism for its emphasis on testing and accountability, it was seen as a significant step towards improving the quality of education for all students.
## Resignation Amid Discord
Despite his efforts to reform education, Rod Paige’s tenure as Education Secretary was not without controversy. In 2004, he resigned from his position amid discord over the implementation of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act and disagreements with Congress over funding and accountability measures. His departure marked the end of a tumultuous period for the Department of Education, but his legacy of advocating for education reform continued to resonate in the years that followed.
## Remembering a Trailblazer
Rod Paige’s passing has sparked reflections on his legacy as a trailblazer in the field of education. As the first Black person to hold the position of Education Secretary, he broke barriers and paved the way for future leaders in the field. His commitment to improving educational opportunities for all students, regardless of background or zip code, left a lasting impact on the education policy landscape in the United States.
Paige’s advocacy for accountability and high standards in education continues to shape the conversation around school reform and student achievement. While the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act has since been replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act, the principles of accountability and equity that Paige championed remain central to efforts to improve education for all students.
## Review of ‘Dust Bunny’: Exploring a World of Familiar and Unfamiliar Wonders Remembering Rod Paige: A Legacy of Education Reform
As we mourn the passing of Rod Paige, we reflect on his legacy as a champion for education reform and advocate for student success. His commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind continues to inspire educators, policymakers, and advocates to work towards a more equitable and inclusive education system.
In conclusion, we are left to ponder: What lessons can we learn from Rod Paige’s tenure as Education Secretary, and how can we continue to build on his legacy to create a more just and equitable education system for all students?