Feds OK Minn. school accountability plan another year

The U.S. Department of Education has given Minnesota a one-year extension on its waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Under the 2001 accountability law, struggling schools are labeled as failing, and face potential financial penalties. Minnesota's 2012 waiver let the state put an alternative accountability system in place that ranks schools based on multiple measures, not just test scores, and gives the state more flexibility to help schools.

That allows the state to help struggling schools, not just penalize them, said Charlene Briner, chief of staff at the Minnesota Department of Education.

Last year Minnesota education officials said more than two dozen struggling schools improved their performance under Minnesota's alternative to No Child Left Behind.

• August 2012: Minnesota debuts new method for measuring schools
• October 2013: What are Multiple Measurement Ratings?

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.