USDE Approves New York State Accountability and Report Card Waiver for 2020-21

The United States Department of Education (USDE) has approved the State Education Department’s Accountability and Report Card Waiver for the 2020-21 school year.

“In this extraordinary year, any accountability determinations would be distorted by disparities across the state in learning opportunities and access to devices and internet connection, and we are grateful to USDE for recognizing this,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “It’s critical that the Department be able to make accurate accountability judgments so schools and students receive the proper supports. We will continue to work with those districts and schools that have been previously identified to ensure they are making the progress necessary to best serve their students.”

“USDE made the right decision in allowing NYSED this flexibility so we may focus on sustaining and, even expanding, high-quality support to districts and schools as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “While accountability remains an important part of the work we do, we must acknowledge there are additional priorities in our schools now. With this waiver, districts can continue to provide services to all students by ensuring that instructional time can be used for immediate academic and social-emotional needs created by COVID-19, including the needs of students with disabilities, English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged students.”

Please see the attached memo for further information.