Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Arizona, Washington to Seek NCLB Waivers

Arizona and Washington state have both decided to seek waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind law, which mandates every student to be proficient in math and reading by 2014.

Arizona and Washington state have both decided to seek waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), reports the Associated Press.

Without waivers, every student must be proficient in math and reading by 2014 -- or else states could forfeit some federal funding.

Last week, President Barack Obama granted waivers to ten states: Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, New Jersey and Minnesota.  Only one state that had applied did not get a waiver, but AP reported that New Mexico is reportedly working with the administration to fix that.

Before applying for waivers, states must commit to creating and implementing new evaluation systems for teachers and principals that give more weight to student achievenment -- something Washington lawmakers are in the process of doing, reports AP.


Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn will announce plans for NCLB waivers on Wednesday, reports AP.

 

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
Special Projects