<P> The act requires states to provide "highly qualified" teachers to all students . Each state sets its own standards for what counts as "highly qualified ." Similarly, the act requires states to set "one high, challenging standard" for its students . Each state decides for itself what counts as "one high, challenging standard," but the curriculum standards must be applied to all students, rather than having different standards for students in different cities or other parts of the state . </P> <P> The act also requires schools to let military recruiters have students' contact information and other access to the student, if the school provides that information to universities or employers, unless the students opt out of giving military recruiters access . This portion of the law has drawn lots of criticism and has even led to political resistance . For instance, in 2003 in Santa Cruz, California, student - led efforts forced school districts to create an "opt - in" policy that required students affirm they wanted the military to have their information . This successful student organizing effort was copied in various other cities throughout the United States . </P> <P> Supporters of the NCLB claim one of the strong positive points of the bill is the increased accountability that is required of schools and teachers . According to the legislation, schools must pass yearly tests that judge student improvement over the fiscal year . These yearly standardized tests are the main means of determining whether schools live up to required standards . If required improvements are not made, the schools face decreased funding and other punishments that contribute to the increased accountability . According to supporters, these goals help teachers and schools realize the significance and importance of the educational system and how it affects the nation . Opponents of this law say that the punishments only hurt the schools and do not contribute to the improvement of student education . </P> <P> In addition to and in support of the above points, proponents claim that No Child Left Behind: </P>

What was the primary way that the no child left behind act (nclb) evaluated student performance