Waiver update . . .

Last week the education department approved eight more states waiver applications from No Child Left Behind requirements.  Counting the eleven states that were granted waivers earlier that leaves an additional eighteen states including Washington with waiver applications not yet granted.  Whether our state is successful or not will not have consequences for us in the short term because we don't have schools in position for take over.  Before that could happen NCLB should be replaced by legislation that makes more sense and is better aligned with what we learned is necessary on our Cincinnati trip.  The decision will, however, tell us how aligned we are with what the federal education department expects from states as they make available funding for the next round of Race to the Top.  No waiver would mean don't bother to apply.