Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility

Nebraska’s Waiver from NCLB

Nebraska’s written request for ESEA Flexibility shifts the focus of accountability and gives us a more robust picture of what our students can do. It is an opportunity to outline our goals, create a shared vision and tell our Nebraska story. Nebraska’s waiver from NCLB.

The ESEA Flexibility request has three primary principles and a broader goal of reducing government burden on districts, teachers, and most of all students.

These principles are:

Principle 1: College and Career Ready Expectations for All Students:

• Rigorous Expectations and Standards
• Learner Focused
• Increase Collaboration with Colleges and Universities
• Annual, Statewide, Aligned, High Quality Assessments that Measure Student Growth

Principle 2: State Developed Differentiated Recognition, Accountability, and Support (AQuESTT—A Quality Education System Today and Tomorrow):

• Annual Measurable Outcomes
• Equity and Access for all Learners
• Recognition and Celebration of Success
• Network of Teachers and Learners (Communities of Practice)
• Support for Schools’ Continuous Improvement
• Data Informed Decision Making

Principle 3: Support Effective Instruction and Leadership:

• Timely Evaluation and Feedback for Teachers and Principals
• Professional Learning and Development
• Dynamic Learning Environments
• Differentiated Student Learning Objectives