On September 23, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education outlined a way states could get relief from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (NCLB). States can request flexibility from some of the mandates by creating a plan that would address accountability, improve curriculum and instruction as well as provide students with a college and career ready education.
On December 5, 2011, Missouris Department of Education made its application for the waiver public and open for comment for thirty days. The purpose of this waiver is not to completely abandon NCLB, instead it is a substitution of a growth model for education instead of the mandated model described in NCLB. According to Missouris proposal, The U.S. Department of Education is inviting each state education agency to voluntarily submit an alternate proposal that would provide state and local education leaders with flexibility regarding specific requirements of NCLB. The waiver would allow states to exchange current regulatory, administrative and reporting requirements for comprehensive state-developed plans designed to improve educational outcomes for all students (pg. 1).
DESEs proposal will collect public feedback before submitting it to the State Board of Education for consideration on Jan. 17, 2012. MCSS highly encourages its members to comment on the states plan that will guide education in our state should it be accepted. Here is NCLB Flexibility Waiver Request (http://dese.mo.gov/news/2011/draft-nclb-flexibility.htm) which could effect curriculum and instruction, teacher assessment and professional development in MO for years to come.
