Spellings talked with Missouri education officials about the necessity for children to be able to count and read. She made it clear that she thinks the No Child Left Behind Act is working towards that goal.

"I don't know about you, but I want my child on grade level right now today. Right now today," said Spellings.

But while some Missourians agree with the goals of the legislation, they don't necessarily agree with how to achieve them.

"I don't think anybody would disagree that the goals are goals we need to set. We all need to be accountable, we don't argue with that at all," said Missouri National Education Association President Chris Guinther. "It's just how you get to those goals, and how schools are given the flexibility to be able to determine what their students need."

Since the introduction of No Child Left Behind in 2001, Missouri fourth graders haven't shown significant improvement in reading proficiency. In 2002 and 2007, 32 percent of tested students were reading at a proficient level. There has been an increase in math proficiency over the past few years. In 2000, only 23 percent of Missouri fourth graders were proficient in math and in 2007, that number was up to 38 percent. But Missouri educators say that No Child Left Behind goals are unrealistic.

"It basically implies that every child can learn at the same time, and that by 2014 every child is going to be proficient," said Guinther. "We know that can't happen."

Secretary Spellings says that in order to avoid being left behind, the legislation will need some improvements. Missouri will experience a 42 percent cut in federal funding for No Child Left Behind programs in 2009.