State School Measurement System Wins Federal Re-Approval

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota will continue rating its schools based on how well they address disparities and prepare students for college or careers.

The state's waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act was renewed Tuesday. Minnesota is one of many allowed to deviate from the law. The waiver lets the state measure schools on student proficiency, growth, graduation rates and whether they narrow racial and economic achievement gaps.

Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius says the waiver has helped the state support struggling schools while highlighting high-performing ones. Minnesota's waiver was renewed through the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

More than 40 other states have such waivers. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has called on Congress to change the law to give schools more funding and other resources.