The 2001 No Child Left Behind Act seeks to improve the nation's schools and make them more accountable. Yet some school officials, especially in rural areas, say the federal mandate is inflexible and their school systems cannot meet the demands.

Several states are considering opting out of federal funds just to escape the federal mandate. Talk of the Nation takes a new look at President Bush's efforts to make schools accountable.

Wickliffe Elementary in Upper Arlington, Ohio