Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – President Barack Obama on Thursday released ten states, from controversial burdens of the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), to go ahead with their reform programs as the country struggles to raise educational standards to compete on a global scale.

Addressing a select audience of state education officials, teachers, civil rights and business leaders, President Obama said, “After waiting far too long for Congress to act …We are giving 10 states, the first 10 states the green light to continue making the reforms that are best for them.”

With Congress dragging its feet over the rewrite of the NCLB law, which is five years overdue, the law is alleged to be driving the wrong behaviors, from teaching to the test to federally determined, one-size-fits-all interventions, according to the White House.

“We want high standards, and we’ll give you flexibility in return. We combine greater freedom with greater accountability,” said President Obama, adding, “Because what might work in Minnesota may not work in Kentucky — but every student should have the same opportunity to reach their potential.”

Appearing on the stage in the East Room of the White House along with the president, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement, “Rather than dictating educational decisions from Washington, we want state and local educators to decide how to best meet the individual needs of students.”

All states had the chance to seek the waivers, Obama said, adding, “39 states have told us that they were interested. Some have already applied.”

Citing ten states approved for flexibility Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, the White House noted in a communique, “In exchange for this flexibility, these states have agreed to raise standards, improve accountability, and undertake essential reforms to improve teacher effectiveness.”

The announcement was welcomed by the National Education Association (NEA) calling the proposals as “temporary regulatory relief from some of No Child Left Behind’s mandates.”

“We’re encouraged by President Obama’s and Secretary Duncan’s efforts to provide NCLB waivers for relief,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel … But this is only a stopgap measure.”

Reiterating the NEA’s determination to “continue work with Congress on a comprehensive bill,” Van Roekel emphasized that future bills “must ensure that all students have access to quality education, well-rounded instruction, a safe and supportive learning environment, and access to qualified, caring and committed teachers.”

“Let’s make this happen,” concluded President Obama, noting, “The best ideas aren’t going to just come from here in Washington. They’re going to come from cities and towns from all across America. They’re going to come from teachers and principals and parents. They’re going to come from you who have a sense of what works and what doesn’t.”

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