Education Department tells states to seek waivers from ESEA.

The article focuses on the U.S. Department of Education’s encouragement for states to seek waivers from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to gain greater flexibility in spending federal education funds. The department argues that ESEA requirements can be burdensome and hinder states’ efforts to improve academic achievement, especially in light of stagnant or declining student performance on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Republican-led states, including Indiana, have responded positively by pursuing waivers to reduce federal mandates and redirect funds toward priorities like literacy and STEM education. This move aligns with broader federal efforts to increase state control over education funding, amid debates over the impact on equity and accountability.