10 states to receive No Child Left Behind waivers
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WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is freeing 10 states from the requirements of No Child Left Behind, responding to complaints from teachers and school administrators across the country that the nation's main education law is outdated and punitive.
"We've offered every state the same deal," President Barack Obama told educators Thursday at the White House. "We've said: 'If you're willing to set higher, more honest standards than the ones that were set by No Child Left Behind, then we're going to give you the flexibility to meet those standards. We want high standards, and we'll give you flexibility in return.'
"We combine greater freedom with greater accountability," the president said. "Because what might work in Minnesota may not work in Kentucky, but every student should have the same opportunity to reach their potential."
Mr. Obama said he was awarding waivers because Congress had failed to revamp the 10-year-old law, despite bipartisan agreement on Capitol Hill that it needed an overhaul.
The waivers will free states from some of the law's toughest mandates, including that schools make every student proficient in math and reading by 2014 or risk escalating sanctions.
In exchange for relief, the administration is requiring a quid pro quo: States must adopt changes that include meaningful teacher and principal evaluation systems, make sure all students are ready for college or careers, upgrade academic standards and lift up their lowest-performing schools. Historically, the federal government has left such decisions to states and local communities.
Lawmakers have been trying to rewrite the law for five years, but have been unable to reach consensus on the appropriate federal role in local education. A Senate panel approved a bill last year with bipartisan backing, but in the House, Republicans and Democrats are divided.
On Thursday, Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, accused Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Mr. Obama of usurping the role of Congress. Mr. Kline released the final bills in a series of five proposals to replace No Child Left Behind. Only one, aimed at expanding charter schools, has attracted Democratic support.
Still, several Republican governors celebrated Thursday's announcement. "This is not about Democrats or Republicans," said Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, which received a waiver. "It's about pursuing an agenda in the best interest of our children whose educational needs are not being met and those who are getting a decent education but deserve a great one."
First Published February 10, 2012 12:00 am
