No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was created to train and prepare all children to attend college. As a result there is a deficiency in vocational labor forces, increased drop out rates, and lower test scores.
Yes, our schools are not performing at the rate of some European nations however that assessment does not take into consideration the differences in culture, curriculum, education philosophy, or what part of their student population is taking the standardized tests.
The Federal government should require students to be forced into an education that is not appropriate to their individual/regional needs. Allow the States and Local Governments decide what is best for their students.