Dive Brief:

• The U.S. Department of Education denied Washington's NCLB waiver request, sending the state back to the Bush-era education policies and expectations for the 2014-15 school year.  
• According to a letter written by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the denial occurred because Washington failed to implement some its promised reforms, such as teacher and principal evaluations.  
• Without the anticipated NCLB flexibility, Washington's local education agencies will have to revert back to policies requiring it to set aside 20% of its Title I funds for public school choice and tutoring programs. The waivers allow states more discretion with the funds.   

Dive Insight:

The U.S. Department of Education's decision to revoke Washington's NCLB waivers feels like a bold move, though it's somewhat necessary if it wants to be taken seriously by the rest of the nation. Saying the waivers were contingent on states implementing reforms and then not holding the states to said changes would look weak.  

Ultimately, aside from the shift in focus on tutoring, Washington's education system will probably not look too different.