Indiana to get waiver for No Child Left Behind

Local superintendents were pleased to hear Thursday that Indiana was one of 10 states receiving a federal waiver from certain requirements within the No Child Left Behind education law.

The law requires all students to be proficient in reading and math by 2014. President Barack Obama's action Thursday stripped away that fundamental requirement for some states, providing they offer a viable plan instead.

Under the deal, the states must show they will prepare children for college and careers, set new targets for improving achievement among all students, develop meaningful teacher and principal evaluation systems, reward the best-performing schools and focus assistance on the children doing the worst.

Highland Superintendent Michael Boskovich said the No Child Left Behind law has been a weight on the shoulders of education for a long time.

While it's a misconception that educators are opposed to the law, Boskovich said, it is impracticable to ensure all students are 100 percent proficient by 2014.

"It's not obtainable," he said. "Indiana is now focusing on growth rather than the number of kids who can or can't pass a test."

Portage Superintendent Mike Berta said it was evident at the inception of the law that the mandates were unrealistic.

"We're heading to 2014, and it's clear that all children will not be able to meet the metrics that were set," Berta said. "This will give Indiana, as well as local districts, an opportunity to design a process that is not only realistic but will work to improve achievement for all kids."

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said Indiana's commitment to comprehensive reform has enabled it to be among the first states receiving a waiver and is "a tribute to the hard work of so many educators, students, parents, community members and policymakers in our state."

Gov. Mitch Daniels added: "No Child Left Behind was an important step forward, but it needed additional flexibility that Congress hasn't yet provided."

The Associated Press contributed to to this report.