Yesterday, Secretary Duncan announced that the Department of Education has approved eight more states for waivers from certain requirements in No Child Left Behind, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
The eight states (Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Rhode Island), brings the total number of states to receive waivers to 19, with an additional 18 applications still under review. A total of 26 states applied for the second round of waivers, meaning many more are still waiting to hear if they will be approved. The Department has also indicated it will accept a third round of waiver applications, probably in the fall.
States who receive flexibility under NCLB agree to develop state-level plans to prepare all students for college and career, focus aid on the neediest students, and support effective teaching and leadership. CEC will be reviewing the approved applications to determine how states propose to include special educators and students with disabilities. CEC has issued recommendations for changes which would benefit these students under the law and they can be found here.
