Ga. gets extended exemption from parts of federal education law

ATLANTA (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Education has granted Georgia an extended exemption from certain parts of the No Child Left Behind Act.<br /> <br /> In a letter Thursday, federal education officials said Georgia has been given an extension for the 2014-15 school year because flexibility from some of the law's provisions have helped the state execute student achievement reforms.<br /> <br /> Federal officials cited the creation of statewide professional development programs, school accountability initiatives and platforms for student and teacher improvement as reforms that go beyond federal regulations.<br /> <br /> State school Superintendent John Barge said the extension is good news for Georgia students, parents and teachers.<br /> <br /> "For the last couple of years we have been holding schools accountable and rewarding them for the work they do in all subjects and with all students," he said in a statement. "The College and Career Ready Performance Index gives parents and communities a clearer and more accurate picture of their schools' effectiveness in educating our students."<br /> <br /> When the state applies for a renewal of the extension next year, federal education officials say the state Department of Education must show Georgia education standards have helped improve student progress and address achievement gaps.<br /> <br /> Extensions were also granted to education systems in Delaware, Minnesota, New York and South Carolina.<br /> <br />

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/7/277768