DOE Seeks Alternative to No Child Left Behind

By Wendy Osher

Pulbic School. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The Hawai’i State Department of Education today notified the US Department of Education of its intent to file an application for ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) Flexibility.

Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said the ESEA Flexibility, “will provide states with a rigorous alternative to the current No Child Left Behind one-size-fits-all approach and the responsibility to redefine academic success beyond Adequate Yearly Progress.”

Under the program, states are able to request flexibility in order to better focus on improving student learning and increasing the quality of instruction.

This voluntary opportunity allows leeway regarding specific requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).  In exchange, the state must develop plans designed to improve educational outcomes, close achievement gaps, increase equity, and improve the quality of instruction.

The state plans to file the application for ESEA consideration in mid-February, 2012, seeking review in Spring 2012.

“Hawaii is taking another bold step forward to accelerate education reform, raise accountability, and ensure all students graduate college- and career-ready,” said Matayoshi.

In the coming months, the Hawai’i DOE will engage and solicit input from stakeholders and communities to further develop its request.

Hawaii’s notice to file comes one day fore the October 12, 2011 deadline for proper notification.