Government Will Grant Waivers to States Who Do What the Obama Admininstration Dictates
There are huge changes occurring in the educational system in America and it’s coming straight from the top – Washington DC. President Obama’s administration has just said that they’re going to grant waivers to any state that doesn’t want to participate in the No Child Left Behind law. This is a move that is being applauded by many educators and administrators across the country.
State and local education officials have said for many years that this law is completely unsustainable. There are simply not enough funds  to be able to meet all of the mandates NCLB requires.
Pres. Obama’s policy advisers and the Melody Barnes have said the details are coming in September.
In addition to this, the Obama administration has said that waivers will be granted to any state that adopts standards designed to prepare students to go directly into university after high school.
It is interesting that this comes right at the same time that the new common core standards are being implemented across the country (the common core standards have a focus on college preparedness and readiness skills, and federal funding is linked to whether a state chooses to adopt them or not).
Although many states, teachers, educators, parents, and even children are all very excited about the possibility of seeing the final demise of No Child Left Behind, I would not be prepared to put my party hat on just yet.
These things have a way of taking a long time and we are only a couple of weeks away from the new school year. By the time the House and the Senate actually decide to agree on something, Mr. Obama may not even be in office anymore.
Shannon Dipple – Primary Education Oasis