US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Duncan said that NCLB was, “Far too punitive, far too prescriptive,” and was responsible for a “dumbing down of standards and a narrowing of curriculum.” Waivers granted by the Department are intended to reward state and school leaders eager to reform their education departments by giving them greater flexibility.

Congressional renewal of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) has been delayed for years despite President Obama’s plea for renewal in January’s State of the Union, a reiteration in March, and an op-ed from Secretary Duncan in June.

Duncan lamented the state of ESEA re-authorization, pleading that, “We’d like to see Congress act. There’s no question [re-authorization] should have happened. We can’t afford to wait… [It] should be bipartisan… Congress just hasn’t acted.”

The White House’s decision to grant waivers also stems from the economic necessity of improving the nation’s education outcomes. “We have to educate our way to a better economy,” Duncan said. “It’s the only way we’re going to get there.”

States that do not “embrace reform” will simply function under the existing No Child Left Behind law. Duncan said that he would like to see all 50 states apply for a waiver and that he’s seen tremendous support from state leaders for the waiver proposal. “I haven’t spoken to one governor who wasn’t enthusiastic about this,” Duncan said.

The Department will announce details of the flexibility plan in September, but Duncan was adamant about a focus on quality. “We need an accountability system that holds everyone responsible,” said Duncan. He added that “Our [the Department's] job is to support reform and encourage it at the state and local level… [and to] get out of the way whenever we can.”

Duncan struck a preemptive blow to critics of costly education measures by noting that, “It doesn’t cost a nickel to fix the law.”

Duncan added, “The best ideas will always come from the local level.”