The Kansas’ ESEA Flexibility Request, granting waivers from certain provisions of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation, was approved by the U.S. Department of Education on July 19, 2012. The approval allows the state to implement a new and more meaningful accountability system for Kansas schools and school districts.

The Secretary of Education announced in September that States could request flexibility from certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) through waivers. The flexibility is offered in order to move forward with State and local reforms designed to improve academic achievement and increase the quality of instruction for all students in a manner that was not originally contemplated by NCLB.

To receive this flexibility, states completed the ESEA Flexibility Request form and addressed the four principles:

• Principle 1: College- and Career-Ready Expectations for All Students 
• Principle 2: State-Developed Differentiated Recognition, Accountability, and
                    Support 
• Principle 3: Supporting Effective Instruction and Leadership 
• Principle 4: Reducing Duplication and Unnecessary Burden

Questions or comments regarding the Kansas ESEA Flexibility Request may be directed to waiver@ksde.org