U.S. Ed Department agrees to review 9 districts’ plan for NCLB waiver - by John Fensterwald
The nine California districts seeking a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Law have got their foot in the door. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it has accepted their waiver application and will treat it as they would an application from other states, with a formal review.
Given that the districts “collectively serve 1.2 million students – more than most states – we believe their request merits careful consideration,” the Department said in a one-page statement Tuesday.The districts, which include three of the state’s four largest unified districts – Los Angeles, Long Beach and Fresno – decided to apply for a district waiver from some of NCLB’s sanctions after the U.S. Department of Education denied California a state waiver last year. The districts applied through the California Office to Reform Education, or CORE, a foundation-funded nonprofit that they created. They hope the waiver will be approved this spring to take effect in the fall.
The Department statement reiterated its “strong preference and focus … on working with states,” but noted that California has no waiver pending. Forty-five states either have received a waiver or
Hold districts accountable for restoring funding for the arts - by Mark Slavkin / commentary
A well-rounded education that includes the arts is essential to prepare California students for college and careers. A year of fine arts is required for admission to the CSU or UC campuses. Further, the skills students gain in the arts – imagination, creativity and innovation – are essential for success in the California economy, no matter the industry or sector. While the California Education...