NM Seeks Federal Education Waiver

By: Hawa Konte

Posted: October 6, 2011

Published : Monday, 26 Sep 2011, 10:19 AM MDT
Web Producer: Hawa Konte

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - New Mexico will be applying for a waiver from the federal government to opt of out the No Child Left Behind Act.

State Education Secretary-Designate Hanna Skandera says she is pushing to replace the "adequate yearly progress" scores with an A to F grading system for individual schools.

Skandera stood behind president Obama on Friday at the white house as he announced a plan to allow states to opt out.

The education secretary believes the A to F grade scale will show what's really happening in New Mexico schools.

“Let’s say if you're a great teacher, you're excellent. If you’re struggling, let’s acknowledge it. Lets get honest with where we are, intervene provide training for those teachers who are struggling so they have a chance to improve,” Skandera said.

The waivers are expected to be granted or denied by the spring of 2012.

Go to: Obama Turns Some Powers of Education Back to States to read New York Times article on Obama’s speech.