AAE Weighs in on Obama Administration's NCLB Waiver Proposal

Alexandria, VA —With reauthorization of No Child Left Behind taking much longer than expected, President Obama today announced that his administration will begin to allow targeted waivers to individual states to provide regulatory relief under the current federal system with caveats to include levels of accountability.

On the heels of President Obama's announcement, AAE Executive Director Gary Beckner released the following statement:

"AAE applauds the Obama administration's proposal that provides flexibility waivers in exchange for commonsense reform and a focus on accountability. The commitment to rewarding progress and supporting teacher effectiveness is very much in line with the results of our member surveys.

Clearly as evidenced by the last decade, a one-size-fits-all system does not work. While we support this plan as a critically-needed solution for schools, circumventing the Congress is no substitution for a full-scale congressional reauthorization to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This proposal is an important first step, but we encourage continued progress in both the House and Senate on a bipartisan reauthorization.

Undoubtedly, the administration's plan can serve as a guide to Congress in implementing a new culture of flexibility and accountability in our federal education policy. We sincerely hope that these targeted waivers will offer the opportunity for states and localities to establish a system that works for our teachers and students alike."

The Association of American Educators is the largest national, non-union, professional educators' association, offering an alternative to the partisan politics and non-educational agendas of the teacher labor unions. AAE does not endorse, support or contribute to any political cause or candidacy. AAE has members in all 50 states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $15 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional development resources as well as a host of other benefits. Visit aaeteachers.org for further information.