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

   FOR RELEASE                      Contact: Melinda Kitchell Malico    September 27, 1995                                 (202) 401-1008

The "Ed-Flex" designation permits waiver decisions to be made by the state -- not the federal government -- giving Ohio the power to waive rules that can limit local and state efforts to improve teaching and learning.

While Ohio is the fourth Ed-Flex state selected, it is the first authorized to waive federal requirements statewide. This means that Ohio can waive federal regulations for individual school districts or for the entire state.

"Ohio has pledged to provide flexibility to school districts in exchange for results," said Riley, "and this new "Ed-Flex" designation will help broaden that commitment. By sharing innovations tested by local districts through the waiver process, Ohio hopes to improve teaching and learning, better coordinate programs and open up the doors of opportunity to more learners. Regular reports from school districts on student progress, tied to both state assessments and local evidence of success, such as an improved graduation rate, will help demonstrate how more flexibility for schools and districts can improve student academic achievement."

Ohio joins Oregon, Kansas and Massachusetts, which recently were designated as Ed-Flex states authorized to waive federal regulations or statutes following individual school district requests.

To qualify for the waiver authority under the Education Flexibility (Ed-Flex) Partnership Demonstration Program, Ohio designed and submitted a comprehensive school improvement plan under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. The plan was developed with local input from parents, educators, community members and the private sector and ties the state's school improvement plan to challenging academic standards for learning. Ohio also pledged to waive numerous state requirements that apply to education and to hold schools and districts accountable for students' academic performance.

School districts and schools in Ohio will be able to seek waivers from requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Perkins Act. Districts and schools must continue to observe civil rights statutes, as well as health and safety standards, under the new waivers.

Goals 2000 support helps states and communities implement school improvement plans to raise student academic achievement, involve parents in schools, bring technology into the classroom, upgrade teachers' skills and knowledge throughout their careers, and create partnerships with business and community groups.

The U.S. Department of Education's commitment to flexibility is also reflected in its implementation of the Goals 2000 Act. The new education reform law has no regulations, nor will any be issued. States were asked to submit only a four-page application in order to receive first-year federal funds. Forty-eight states received funds in year one to develop blueprints for better schools.