Tennessee is one of ten states that will receive flexibility from the federal education law in exchange for agreeing to raise student achievement standards, improve accountability, and enhance teacher effectiveness. U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) welcomed the approval of Tennessee’s request for a waiver from provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, commonly known as No Child Left Behind. 

Senator Corker said, “Tennessee has demonstrated national leadership in education reforms to enhance student achievement, so I'm pleased the administration has granted this waiver. The decision recognizes the progress our state has made, frees us from a one-size-fits all mandate from the federal government, and will allow our state’s elected leaders to make decisions that are most beneficial to the students of Tennessee.” 

Last year, Corker joined the Tennessee delegation to send a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan supporting Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s request for a waiver. The full text of the letter, dated July 27, 2011, and signed by Senators Corker and Alexander and Representatives Roe, Duncan, Fleischmann, DesJarlais, Cooper, Black, Blackburn, Fincher and Cohen can be found here.