Kerry: Massachusetts Receives Flexibility to Continue to Lead in Education Reform

[Mass]

http://politicalnews.me/?id=11731

PoliticalNews.me - Feb 12,2012 - Kerry: Massachusetts Receives Flexibility to Continue to Lead in Education Reform
Obama Administration Recognizes Massachusetts Among 10 States

BOSTON – Senator John Kerry applauded the announcement that Massachusetts will be one of ten states granted a waiver and the flexibility from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law so it can continue to out-innovate other states in raising achievement. In exchange for this flexibility, these states have agreed to raise standards, improve accountability, and undertake essential reforms.

Criticized for rigid metrics that don’t result in learning gains and underfunding, all 50 states have struggled to meet NCLB standards. The administration today awarded ten waivers to leading states that demonstrate their own innovative, dynamic methods of improving student outcomes. This waiver will allow Massachusetts to continue to drive its rigorous, state-developed education plan.

“We've pushed for this waiver a long time so we can continue to out-innovate other states in education reform. I asked Secretary Duncan to come to Massachusetts earlier this week to talk about the pioneering steps we must take to give all our students a world class education and help our colleges graduate students who can out-compete our global rivals. I’m grateful to Secretary Duncan and President Obama for this flexibility so Massachusetts can continue to lead the way.”
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As somebody who has been opposed to NCLB for so many years, I was surprised to find myself ambivalent concerning these reforms. On one side, I hope this will result in less stress for students, in particular when it comes to a mandatory MCAS to graduate, which drives so many teens out of school because they do not see they can pass the test, so why continue. This is particularly true when it comes to minority populations. On the other hands, year after year, the MCAS results show the same thing: poor towns and cities are left behind, while towns with a high income, educated population get congratulations because their scores are at the top of the scale: otherwise said, MCAS helps perpetuate the inequality in education, not reduce it. What I am concerned by is that the absence of mandate (as stupid as the mandate was) will lead to even more inequalities, except if the new accountability comes with means for places like Springfield, Holyoke, and others.