A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Flexibility: Results, Not Rules

The Congress and the United States Department of Education have made tremendous progress in transforming the federal relationship with the states on education. It has changed from one based on regulatory compliance to one based on accountability and performance.

-Robert V. Antonucci, Massachusetts Commissioner of Education

Over the past three years, the Department of Education has worked to provide funding and assistance to states and local districts in ways that maximize flexibility with regard to federal requirements, and minimize paperwork. It is operating in new ways that rely on a commitment to a shared goal--improving teaching and learning--by focusing on results, fostering collaboration, and promoting flexibility.

Applications and Plans

• No regulations have been issued for the implementation of GOALS 2000.

• The application form for GOALS 2000 funding was only 4 pages long in the first year and 2 pages in the second year.

• The application review and approval and the obligation of funds generally take less than three weeks from the receipt of the application.

• The format and content of comprehensive state improvement plans submitted under GOALS 2000 are left to states. Every state improvement plan submitted has been approved.

• Guidance for the review of state education improvement plans was developed with the input of state and local leaders across the country, and stipulates only three criteria a plan must meet: 1) reasonable promise of helping all students reach high standards; 2) widespread commitment to the plan throughout the state; and 3) local flexibility for innovation.

• A peer review team of educators, state officials, and business people, not federal officials, may review the state plans, make recommendations to the secretary, and provide observations about the plan to the state for its use. (See "Peer Review" article below.)

For the latest developments in flexibility plans, see "What's New".

Waivers

The Department also supports state efforts by offering waivers from federal requirements that may impede school improvement. The GOALS 2000 Act, the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act for the first time authorize the secretary to waive the majority of statutory and regulatory requirements for the Department's elementary and secondary education and vocational education programs, if necessary, to clear the way for better teaching and learning.

Ed-Flex

Perhaps the most dramatic example of the Department's new flexibility is the Education Flexibility Partnership Demonstration initiative (Ed-Flex) established by the GOALS 2000 Act. Ed-Flex is intended to provide maximum support to participating states and local school districts for effective school reform. Ed-Flex allows the secretary of education to delegate, to up to 12 states, the authority to waive certain federal statutory or regulatory requirements affecting states' and localities' efforts to improve academic achievement for all students.

A state with a comprehensive school improvement plan approved by the secretary may apply for Ed-Flex. In addition, the state must waive its own statutory or regulatory requirements, while holding districts and schools affected by the waivers accountable for the academic performance of their students. And, before granting a waiver, a state must first determine that the underlying purposes of the affected program will continue to be met. Ed-Flex does not apply to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or to requirements pertaining to health, safety, civil rights, and parental participation in education.

On February 17, 1995, Oregon was the first state designated to participate in the demonstration. Seven others were designated subsequently.

ED-Flex Demonstration States

                        Kansas        Oregon		                         Maryland      Massachusetts                         Ohio          Texas	                         Vermont       Colorado 

Peer Review Adds Value

The process for reviewing state plans has provided a constructive opportunity for states to learn from the experience of other states and communities and receive help. Review of plans is conducted by a panel of five peer reviewers from outside the federal government, with a wide range of experience and expertise.

The peer reviewers analyze each plan and then visit the state to engage in extensive discussions and share ideas before making a recommendation regarding approval. More important, these reviewers provide states with expert advice on how to overcome challenges and point out areas that need additional attention.

States frequently note the value added by the fresh perspectives of outside peers, who generally stimulate dialogue among their state and local contacts that continues well beyond the peer review.

[Urban and Rural Local Reform Initiative Grants]

[Supporting Local Reform: Fishermen and University Presidents]