The U.S. Department of Education today approved Florida’s request for a flexibility waiver from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Florida was one of 11 states asking for flexibility with regard to accountability standards mandated by the No Child Left Behind legislation implemented in 2001. The state requested the waiver to be able to move to a single statewide accountability system that would eliminate duplicative regulation and make Florida’s system easier to understand.

 House Bill 431 will allow schools to open up their facilities for children during non-school hours giving access to publicly funded
playgrounds and athletic fields.

Tallahassee, FL (Wednesday, January 25, 2012) – The American Heart Association applauds the House Education K-20 Competitiveness Committee for taking step towards providing   opportunities for Florida’s children, who desperately need time for unstructured play and exercise.