NORWICH – In a report released Wednesday, President Bush says he wants to loosen the rules of his signature No Child Left Behind law so that more disabled children can take easier tests.

The changes to the five-year old legislation could triple the number of children who could take the special exams. Approximately 10 percent of students with disabilities currently take simpler examinations than their mainstream classmates. Roughly 20 percent more would be allowed to take alternative tests.

The Director of Staff Development and Curriculum for the Norwich City Schools says she feels the district is on “solid footing” and “in good shape” for next year.

“More children with disabilities are receiving regents diplomas and that right there says a lot for the level of education their achieving,” Irania Steers said.

In 2001, the newly elected President called the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) the “cornerstone” of his administration. Looking back over the last five years, local administrators wonder if the act introduced is going to lead to the outcomes that were once expected. Under the law, the alternative tests’ results go toward a school's annual progress goals.