TRENTON – The state school boards association had words of encouragement after today’s waiver application approval on No Child Left Behind.

New Jersey School Boards Association Executive Director Marie S. Bilik said in a prepared release that this will lead to a new accountability system.

“Broader opportunities for education improvement and reform will result from the U.S. Department of Education’s approval of New Jersey’s application for a waiver from the No Child Left Behind requirements,” Bilik said.

“We are particularly pleased that funding will be available for implementation of a new teacher evaluation process.  The evaluation system, as envisioned, will be a tool to improve instruction and learning and will be key to other education reforms.

“NJSBA appreciates the state Department of Education’s proposed accountability process that is geared toward advancing the achievement of all students through support and assistance rather than sanctions.  We believe that the local board of education needs to play a strong and supportive role in these efforts.”

Earlier story:

Waiver in hand, Christie outlines accountability system