Waiver loss could hit low-performing OKC schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma City school officials say the state’s loss of its No Child Left Behind waiver could redirect almost $4 million in federal funding the district now spends on programs and services for low-performing schools.

Officials with Oklahoma City Public Schools tell The Oklahoman that 37 schools use the money for summer school and after-school math and reading programs. The district says it’s waiting for guidance from the state to determine how the waiver loss will affect the funding.

The U.S. Department of Education denied the state’s request last week to extend a waiver after Oklahoma repealed Common Core standards for math and English. After the repeal, Oklahoma public schools changed back to old academic measures that haven’t been certified yet as college- and career-ready standards by the state.