Schools across the country will soon catch a break in “No Child Left Behind” regulations, as U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will issue waivers for key provisions of the law.
Duncan announced in a recent news conference that all 50 states will receive waivers, as long as they meet other school reform requirements. The move comes as many still wait for a reform in existing education laws.
“We will not be giving states a pass on accountability,” Duncan said in a statement. “There will be a high bar for states seeking flexibility within the law, working off a frame work that the states themselves have put together with the Council of Chief State School Officers.”
Originally incepted during the Bush Administration, “No Child Left Behind” seeks to have every student proficient in math and reading by 2014. Schools across the country have been working to bring students up to par in math and reading, based on standardized tests they take each year.
With the waivers, states will get relief from key provisions of the law if they comply with other kinds of education reform including focusing on professional development and working to improve the lowest-performing schools.
Duncan said more details about the waivers will be announced next month.