CITIZEN-TIMES.com: Federal school rules spark revolt: "ASHEVILLE - Resentment over costly obligations attached to the federal No Child Left Behind Act could prompt North Carolina to join a growing number of states rebelling against President Bush's centerpiece education law.

The Republican-controlled Utah House voted 64-8 last week not to comply with any provisions that cost more than what the federal government is willing to pay for. The bill, now headed to the Utah Senate, represents the strongest position yet taken by lawmakers around the country.

Elsewhere, state lawmakers have passed or introduced legislation or nonbinding resolutions challenging the 2002 law's tougher standards for student testing and teacher credentials.

North Carolina state Rep. Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe, said he would support such legislation. Many legislators are angry about what they see as a federal takeover of education that leaves states to pay the bill.

'I think there is genuine, broad-based concern in our state about No Child Left Behind,' Nesbitt said. 'I'm really glad to see other states are having similar difficulties.'

The act adds an array of new standards to existing tests. Educators have said it is unwieldy and would further confuse parents wanting to evaluate schools and their child's performance in school"