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Recommendations for ESEA Flexibility Renewals and Extensions

Under the U.S. Department of Education’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) flexibility policy, states have an important opportunity to design their own systems geared toward college and career readiness for all students. The Alliance understands that states are in various stages of waiver implementation and that major policy changes are unlikely at this time. However, as ED develops its policy and process regarding renewals and extensions, it is critical that ED address identified shortcomings while encouraging and supporting states to implement innovative reform. In doing so, the flexibility policy will help to all students graduate from high school college- and career-ready with the ability to apply knowledge to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, and be self-directed learners.

In additional, All4Ed joined 12 other organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan expressing their concerns about waivers granted to states and districts under ESEA and to offer recommendations for the ongoing waiver process, including upcoming extensions and renewals.