ESEA Flexibility Waiver

Dear Stakeholders,

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) remains committed to setting high standards of achievement so that District students can succeed within and beyond the classroom.  

Today is a monumental step toward creating an inclusive view of what successful student growth in the District of Columbia can look like, and as State Superintendent, I am pleased to present the District of Columbia’s federal waiver application to the U.S. Department of Education for flexibility regarding the implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Over the course of several months, OSSE leadership has worked collaboratively with numerous area stakeholders and held over 50 in-person and online public engagement events to submit the strongest possible application, including focus groups with parents, teachers and administrators, meetings with District community coalitions and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and planning sessions with groups including the State Board of Education, D.C. Public Schools, neighborhood associations and the Public Charter School Board.

We have developed a waiver application that is meaningful, comprehensive and progressive in moving education forward in the District of Columbia and believe our flexibility request reflects both student needs and the actual progress taking place in schools throughout our city.

Available below for download is the final submitted version of OSSE’s ESEA Application, along with an informational presentation and list of frequently asked questions.

Thank you all for your support and continued commitment to education in the District of Columbia.

Sincerely,

Hosanna Mahaley, State Superintendent of Education