The New York State Education Department Tuesday released for public comment the draft waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
The waiver makes some fundamental shifts in how schools will be held accountable in the future. For example, instead of the current standard of 100 percent proficiency for all students by 2014, the state would aim for halving the achievement gap between students within six years.
The Obama Administration is allowing states to apply for flexibility under the law in response to inaction by Congress to renew the law, which expired in 2007. In exchange for flexibility, states must create plans that adopt college and career-ready standards, support effective teaching and develop differentiated accountability standards.
Though a temporary measure, the state has indicated that it hopes state waivers from the law will influence the direction that Congress takes upon renewing No Child Left Behind (also referred to as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act).
Ira Schwartz, Assistant Commissioner of Accountability at the New York State Education Department, will offer an overview webinar at 11 a.m. , which will also be available in a recorded format online.