< Back to NCLB Overview ED Press Release: New Policy Created to Assist Displaced Students of Hurricanes USDE Press Release, September 29: A few States have asked whether the Department will waive accountability provisions in the No Child Left Behind Act regarding assessments and adequate yearly progress (AYP). Secretary Spellings responsed by providing two temporary options, one or both of which States may adopt if they so choose. These new policies are targeted specifically to states affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as declared by the U.S. President, or states that have sustained substantial damage such that the schools have been closed for a significant period of time as a result of Hurricanes Katrina or Rita. The two options, Exercise Existing Natural Disaster Provisions of NCLB and Establish a Separate Subgroup for Displaced Students, allow schools to delay AYP and Accountability for the 2005-06 school year. Also, ED is willing to consider waivers for other schools or districts that have been otherwise adversely impacted by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita due to enrolling large numbers of displaced students or other factors. For more information on new assesment and AYP policies, click on the URL link at bottom. Hurricane Katrina educational assistance web sites of interest: VSKOOL: Virtual Schooling Opportunities has also been launched to help provide education-related relief to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. VSKOOL will serve as a clearinghouse of hurricane related offerings of education technology products and services to affected students, teachers, and families. The particular focus of this effort is on online courses (providing technology, teachers, and coordination) and other technology-related educational services, such as the establishment of community- or school-based computer learning labs to help schools meet the needs of those who were displaced. For more information, go to VSKOOL.ORG. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site provides many programs, courses, and materials to support emergency preparedness and response for emergency personnel as well as the general public. There is a special section for teachers as well as children. For more information, go to FEMA.GOV. For a broader list of links, go to WestEd's Web page addressing Hurricane Katrina. URL: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/secletter/050929.html		NCLB Overview »  Adequate Yearly Progress »  Assessment & Accountability »  Charter Schools »  Choice/Transfer »  English Language Learners »  Enhancing Education Through Technology »  Highly Qualified Teachers »  IDEA and NCLB »  Paraprofessionals »  Parent Involvement »  Professional Development »  Reading/Literacy »  Rural Schools and Districts »  Safe Schools »  School/District Interventions »  Scientifically Based Research »  Supplemental Services