KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Feds Grant Arizona Waiver From No Child Left Behind

The U.S. Education Department has given Arizona a waiver from some provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. 

The feds approved Arizona’s initial waiver in 2012. The current one extends through the 2014-15 school year.

The dispute has been over two provisions of the federal law: the weight Arizona gives high school graduation rates in its high-school rating system and how it uses the AIMS test to evaluate teachers.

Under the waiver, schools in the state will make changes designed to hold schools accountable for growth in student achievement, improve and maintain teacher quality and close achievement gaps.

In a letter to state schools chief John Huppenthal, federal officials said the decision to extend the waiver is based on “flexibility has been effective in enabling Arizona to carry out important reforms to improve student achievement,” and that the extension is in the public interest.

Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.