Friday, January 20, 2012

Iowa Dept. of Ed to Visit Feb. 7 to Seek Public Input on NCLB Waiver Request

The Iowa Department of Education will give 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 January 31 to February 9.

The regional meeting for the Heartland AEA area has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The meeting will be streamed from the Heartland ICN Room at 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Satellite sites include: Ames High School, Dallas Center-Grimes High School, Newton High School and Knoxville High School. The Department has scheduled meeting times for the following target audiences:

Superintendents
9:00-10:45 a.m.

Administrators and board members
11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Students
1:30-2:45 p.m.

Teachers
4:00-5:45 p.m.

Parents & Other Community Members
6:00-7:45 p.m.

The Department will present details about Iowa’s waiver request and plans to develop a new accountability system that puts student achievement first but also focuses on student growth and assessments that align with the Iowa Core standards.

In September, the U.S. Department of Education invited states to apply for flexibility from specific requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act in exchange for rigorous and comprehensive state-developed plans.

Iowa’s application will be submitted by February 21.

States must address the following principles in their waiver applications: College and career-ready expectations for all students; state-developed systems for differentiated recognition, accountability and support; and support for effective instruction and leadership, including new guidelines for local teacher and principal evaluation and support systems.

In a new video, Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass addresses the purpose of Iowa’s waiver request.

Iowans who are unable to attend the public meetings can submit comments in writing to wilma.gajdel@iowa.gov until 4:00 p.m. on February 1.

For more information, go to www.educateiowa.gov.

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