LEAP scores are improving. Teachers are using innovative techniques. Schools are reaching out with innovative programs to enhance education and meet special needs. Louisiana is being recognized nationally for its education reform efforts. Children are learning.

But, it's not enough.

The word "but" is like a bucket of cold water that jolts us to reality. Yet the goal is not realistic.

When the federal No Child Left Behind Act came into existence in 2001, Louisiana's education accountability requirements, rigorous evaluation process and teacher quality incentives were found to be already ahead of the rest of the nation. But the other states have continued to outdistance our schools in terms of actual academic achievement.

Leaving no child behind is a commendable goal. But the Public Affairs Research Council predicts, "The major impact of NCLB on Louisiana will be the likely identification of up to three-fourths of all public schools as failing under the state's dual accountability system "

"Labeling a vast majority of schools as failing would render the accountability system of rewards and sanctions meaningless," PAR says in a report issued last week. "It would also further erode public confidence in the public school system as a whole."

PAR is correct in its declaration that the No Child Left Behind Act sets an unrealistic goal. The Act requires that each and every student in every public school reach "academic proficiency" by the 2013-2004 school year. That includes students from all economic backgrounds, students from all racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. Realistically, the only way for "all' students to reach the mark would be for schools to no longer accept those who are not capable, and that would be wrong.

We agree with PAR that the No Child Left Behind Act should undergo a major overhaul to set more realistic and attainable objectives when the law comes up for reauthorization in 2007.

Despite the progress this state's public education system is making, we must remember and accept the fact that Louisiana faces an uphill battle to catch up with the rest of the nation interms of academic achievement. But this battle is nothing new; indeed, it is historic. And it must be waged.

Louisiana cannot afford to weaken its education reform efforts. We must keep holding our schools accountable for improving achivement and we must keep pursuing higher -- but realistic -- goals.