The ESEA Flexibility Granted by USDE

As recently allowed by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), the Maryland State Department of Education received approval for flexibility from adhering to certain federal requirements for our public education system. The Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA), commonly referred to as "No Child Left Behind," was created a decade ago to establish an accountability system that focused on accountability, improving standards, and eliminating achievement gaps. However, the consequences of NCLB are prohibiting some states from developing new and innovative reforms. As a result, USDE has offered states flexibility around twelve of the provisions of NCLB. Maryland submitted its plan in February 2012 and was approved on May 29, 2012. Maryland is one of 34 states and the District of Columbia to receive approval on its Flexibility Request.


Public Notice and Comment- ESEA: Exit Status for Priority and Focus Schools and Designation and Recognition of Reward Schools

The Best Practices of Title I Superlative Highest Performing Reward Schools

Maryland's ESEA Flexibility Application 
Revised 02.28.2013