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

U.S. Department of Education Review of Waiver Requests

The U.S. Secretary of Education has established a Waiver Action Board to review applications for waivers. The Board is chaired by the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education and includes the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education, the Director of the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs, the Special Advisor to the Secretary on Teaching, and the General Counsel. The Waiver Action Board helps to ensure that waiver requests across categorical programs are handled in a consistent and expeditious manner. The Secretary has delegated the authority to make final decisions on waiver requests to the relevant Assistant Secretary for each program.

How long will it take the Department to review a waiver request?

In order to best serve the needs of students, the Department intends to act upon waiver requests as expeditiously as possible. The Department has established 60 days from receipt of a waiver request (with the necessary documentation) as the target date by which a decision will be made. The Department will strive to make waiver decisions in less time whenever possible.

May the Department approve part of a waiver request?

Where appropriate, the Department may approve portions of a waiver request. By permitting approval of part of a waiver request, the Department encourages applicants to consolidate individual requests.

Where to Submit Requests for Waivers and How to Obtain Assistance

Requests for waivers should be sent to:

The U.S. Department of Education will assist waiver applicants in preparing waiver requests. To receive assistance, potential waiver applicants may call the Department'sWaiver Assistance Line at (202) 401-7801 or 1-800-USA-LEARNor the relevant program office in the Department.

[Charter Schools Waiver Authority ][Appendix: States with approved Goals 2000 State Plans... ]