Parent of dying boy has to prove her son can’t take standardized test

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21. Look at who is selling the tests to the states

Of course Jeb Bush made sure that every single child would be required to "take" the test, even if they are totally unable to actually take it - the school systems have to pay for every test "taken".

Bush's Family Profits From `No Child' Act
THE NATION
October 22, 2006|Walter F. Roche Jr. | Times Staff Writer

WASHINGTON — A company headed by President Bush's brother and partly owned by his parents is benefiting from Republican connections and federal dollars targeted for economically disadvantaged students under the No Child Left Behind Act.

With investments from his parents, George H.W. and Barbara Bush, and other backers, Neil Bush's company, Ignite! Learning, has placed its products in 40 U.S. school districts and now plans to market internationally.

At least 13 U.S. school districts have used federal funds available through the president's signature education reform, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, to buy Ignite's portable learning centers at $3,800 apiece.
More: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=post&forum=1002&pid=4448954

No Bush Left Behind: When You’re Barred From Banking, Why Not Bank on Education?
Friday, March 12, 2004
<SNIP>
We’ll begin by looking at the Bush family. Everyone knows the president’s brother Jeb is the governor of Florida. But, less well known is his second youngest brother, Neil Bush. Years ago, he hit the front pages for his role in the Savings and Loan scandal. He was director of the Silverado Savings and Loan when it collapsed in 1988, costing taxpayers more than $1 billion. As a result, he was banned from banking activities. So when Neil Bush was banned from banking, he banked on education.

In October 2001, shortly after the United States began bombing Afghanistan, Neil attended an international technology conference in Dubai. He was fishing for investors for his latest business venture — Ignite Incorporated, an interactive education software company that he founded in March 1999. Ignite says its goal is to help students improve their standardized test scores. And that’s where No Child Left Behind comes into play.

Neil Bush’s company sells software to prepare students to take comprehensive tests required under "No Child Left Behind." Schools that fail the tests will face termination of federal assistance. The contracts for these test programs are very lucrative. Ignite is currently running a pilot program at a Middle School in Orlando, Florida—where Neil’s brother Jeb is governor. The company hopes to sell the software throughout Florida at $30 per pupil per year.

In mid-February, Houston school board members unanimously agreed to accept $115,000 in charitable donations that would be funneled to Ignite. The Houston Independent School District trustees had initially delayed a vote on the matter in December, saying they were concerned that Bush’s Austin-based company might be benefiting from his family name. But in February, the nine board members approved the funding without discussion.
More, including interview and transcript: http://www.democracynow.org/2004/3/12/no_bush_left_behind_when_youre