Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the Obama Administration’s No Child Left Behind Flexibility Agreement

Washington, DC – Today, Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s announcement that the Department of Education is granting 10 states flexibility from certain provisions of the No Child Left Behind law in exchange for adopting meaningful reforms to improve the educational success of all students:

 

“I applaud President Obama and Secretary Duncan for finding a balance between federal policy and flexibility to states in determining the best ways for schools and districts to educate all students.  The federal government historically and presently plays an important role in ensuring equal opportunity in education.  This new waiver approach is needed to relieve the burden of states from the decade-old law — which education professionals agree needs revision — while simultaneously holding states responsible for the achievement of all students.  Unfortunately, more than 50 years since the Supreme Court decided Brown v. Board of Education, severe inequities in education continue.  Recent data demonstrate all too clearly that there remain wide achievement gaps in income, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and English language status.  The wellbeing of our citizens and the global competitiveness of our nation demand that we do better.  Today’s announcement advances education policy by requiring states to challenge their schools while providing the support needed for states to meet the challenge.

 

“The Congressional Black Caucus actively works to promote equal opportunity in education, especially for students who have traditionally been underserved and undervalued. The CBC will continue to work diligently for comprehensive statutory reform that improves education for all students.  Democrats and Republicans must work together to advance education reform for the sake of our children and our economy.  Until that time, the Obama Administration waivers provide needed flexibilities to states while requiring a quality education for all students.  The CBC pledges to work with the U.S. Department of Education, policymakers, parents, and education advocates to ensure that states achieve the goals set within their waivers.”

 

- Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II