America Forward Executive Director Deborah Smolover and Co-Founder Kim Syman released the following statement on Secretary Duncan’s Decision to Grant Waivers from No Child Left Behind (NCLB):

We appreciate the Administration’s decision to grant states waivers from outdated provisions of No Child Left Behind as an interim step to enacting much needed education reform legislation. This action moves above the political fray and makes our children’s education a national priority.

As the waiver package is developed, we encourage strong accountability and transparency in exchange for flexibility. We will be making recommendations to Administration officials to include incentives for nonprofit partnerships and high-quality competition to reward success. States should be encouraged to expand the efforts of innovative nonprofit organizations that have built strong records of impact in partnerships with schools.

While we recognize the waiver process is a necessary bridge between an outdated law and national legislation that meets the needs of all students, we will continue to work diligently with Congress and the Administration to open the doors to new innovation and reforms at the national level.