POLL: Do You Agree with CT's Waiver Request from No Child Left Behind Requirements

On February 29, Connecticut applied for a waiver from the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2011. The NCLB Act mandates that all schools achieve proficiency with 100% of their students by 2014 and requires a series of sanctions for schools that do not meet that goal, and places restrictions on the use of federal funding. 

If Connecticut’s request is successful, the waiver will provide the state flexibility to design a new and improved system of accountability, support, and intervention in schools and districts and the ability to target federal funds to better meet student needs.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy said, “Connecticut’s submission of the waiver request is a critical next step for enacting real education reforms that will lead to dramatic gains for Connecticut’s students. Combined with our state legislative package, the plans in the application will help our state improve our education system, better position our young people for the jobs of tomorrow, and, as a result, enhance our economic competitiveness.”

Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor said, “Our application presents and, if successful, will advance the important activities and reforms currently under way in our state.   From the implementation of a curriculum and assessment system that prepares students for college and career to the establishment of an ambitious yet achievable set of performance goals, and from the development of supports and interventions in low-performing schools to the framing of an evaluation and support system for teachers and school leaders, this application lays out our vision on key fronts and sets forth a plan for us to elevate academic achievement in this state.”

As required by the United States Department of Education, Connecticut’s waiver application addresses four critical areas:

(1) transitioning to college- and career-ready standards and assessments;

(2) developing systems of differentiated recognition, accountability, and support;

(3) evaluating and supporting teacher and principal effectiveness; and

(4) reducing duplication and unnecessary burden.

Eleven states applied for waivers in the initial round in November of 2011. All states’ waivers were approved in February 2012. A full copy of Connecticut’s waiver application is posted on the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) website.

Information reprinted from a press release issued by the CT State Department of Education.

What do you think about the NCLB Act? Tell us in the comments below and answer our poll about wether you agree with the state's application for a waiver.