Today, the following members of Chiefs for Change, Janet Barresi, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction; Steve Bowen, Maine Commissioner of Education; Chris Cerf, New Jersey Commissioner of Education; Deborah A. Gist, Rhode Island Commissioner of  Elementary and Secondary Education; Kevin Huffman, Tennessee Commissioner of Education; Hanna Skandera, New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary-Designate; Eric Smith, Florida Commissioner of Education, released a statement regarding the American Association of School Administrators and the National School Boards Association's request for a blanket waiver from the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  

“As an organization dedicated to putting students first through visionary education reform, Chiefs for Change opposes the recent petition by the American Association of School Administrators and the National School Board Association to suspend the accountability provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the interventions provided to students.”

“We support the swift reauthorization of ESEA.  Chiefs for Change has outlined principles to guide Congress as it works to improve federal policy.   Providing a blanket waiver to all states will bring negotiations on reauthorization to a standstill, creating uncertainty for states and potentially threatening the progress that has been made by many states to improve the quality of education for students across America.”

“We support more federal flexibility, including the use of targeted waivers, but only when such flexibility supports education reform and when it is earned based upon state actions that have produced greater student achievement.   Blanket regulatory relief would weaken accountability and more importantly, deny students critical educational services and options.”

“Reauthorization provides an opportunity to improve ESEA, renew our commitment to America’s children and transform education for the 21st century without rolling back our expectations for students and the adults who educate them.  State and education leaders should seize the moment to be innovative in improving the quality of education in America.”

Visit www.ChiefsforChange.org for more information about Chiefs for Change.