Background
Iowa was among many states to accept the U.S. Department of Education’s invitation last fall to apply for a waiver from the rigid accountability measures of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
The Iowa Department of Education intends to request a waiver by February 28. In exchange, the Department is working with key stakeholder groups to design a bold, comprehensive accountability system that puts student achievement first but also better fits the needs of Iowans, aligns with long-range priorities for education, and builds on earlier state efforts, such as strong standards and assessments.
Iowa's Waiver
Video message from Director Glass- This video addresses the purpose of Iowa's waiver request.
Overview presentation - This presentation gives a brief overview of the purpose, timeline and emphasis areas of Iowa's waiver request.
More Detailed Presentation - This document was presented to the State Board of Education on Jan. 19.
Video Principle 1: College- and career-ready expectations for all students - Connie Maxson, Former Bureau Chief for Teaching and Learning Services
Video Principle 2 (part 1): Differentiated recognition, accountability, and support - Mary Delagardelle, Program Evaluation Counsultant
Video Principle 2 (part 2): Differentiated recognition, accountability, and support - Wilma Gajdel, Former Title I Administrative Consultant
Video Principle 3: Supporting effective instruction and leadership - Byron Darnall, Education Policy Liaison
Public Meetings
The Iowa Department of Education gave Iowans a chance to weigh in on a plan to request a waiver from requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act during a statewide series of public meetings from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9.
Department leaders visited all nine Area Education Agencies in Iowa, starting with AEA 267 in Cedar Falls on Jan. 31 and ending with Northwest AEA in Sioux City and Prairie Lakes AEA in Pocahontas on Feb. 9. (Click here for a complete schedule of meeting dates, times and locations.)
Public Meeting Presentation - The presentation used during the waiver public meetings.
Hands-on Activity - The activity used during the waiver public meetings.
Related Information
Input from Iowans wanted at meetings about state's No Child Left Behind waiver request (2012-01-13)
Iowa education leaders to apply for No Child Left Behind waiver (2011-10-12)
An overview of federal guidance for the waiver can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/esea/flexibility
