Schools

Mass Schools Granted Waiver from No Child Left Behind Guidelines

Superintendent says Federal program signed into law by George W. Bush 10 years ago has become a "punitive sanction" against even the highest performing districts.

Local educators will get a break from the No Child Left Behind Act, the highly debated federal law criticized for its one-size-fits-all approach to measuring success.

President Barack Obama has announced that Massachusetts will receive a waiver from some of the 10-year-old legislation's toughest requirements in exchange for a state-developed plan

“The district is thrilled with the exemption, allowing districts to focus greater efforts on teaching and learning and on the achievement gap, which are closely aligned with Marlborough schools’ five-year strategic plan, Believe 2016," said Dr. Anthony Pope, superintendent of . "This is a shift from the essence of No Child Left Behind, which has evolved into a punitive sanction on even the highest-performing schools and districts.”

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A main goal of NCLB was for all students to have reached proficiency in English and math by 2014. In this state, proficiency is measured through Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams. In its presentation to the U.S. Dept. of Education, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education officials noted that federally, 90 percent of districts across the country are not meeting proficiency goals.

Under the state plan, which is available on the DOSE's website, educators have proposed reducing the proficiency gap in half by the 2016-2017 school year.

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The U.S. DOE invited educational agencies last year to request flexibility from the regulations, in exchange for comprehensive state-developed plans. The state in November 2011 submitted a request, which was sent back to them with questions. Officials were notified this week that their second, resubmitted application was approved.

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