The Bristol University-led team says the record provides a true baseline against which measures to keep the great river clean can now be judged.

BBC: Thames archive reveals long nitrate rise

In contrast, the standard-treatment group showed no significant change from baseline on any of the above measures.

ENGADGET: Researchers create video game that monitors heart rate to keep children's anger in check

Different organizations, ranging from the Bowles-Simpson Fiscal Commission to the House Budget Committee, have considered this current policy baseline to be the appropriate reference point, since it measures changes relative to the status quo, rather than the mix of expiring provisions and policy changes that would likely never be implemented.

WHITEHOUSE: American Taxpayer Relief Act Reduces Deficits by $737 Billion | The White House

While I would recommend revisions to No Child Left Behind legislation that would encourage the benefits of performance pay, increase support for struggling schools and motivate high performance in addition to ensuring baseline requirements, I am convinced that the firm accountability measures that No Child Left Behind introduced must be preserved.

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