Additional States Approved for Education Flexibility Authority (United States, August 2026)
The U.S. Department of Education approved additional states for Education Flexibility authority under the Ed-Flex program.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education approved additional states for Education Flexibility authority under the Ed-Flex program.
What Changed?
Approved state education agencies can waive selected federal statutory or regulatory requirements for eligible districts and schools without first seeking federal approval for each waiver.
Old System vs New System
The newly approved states did not previously hold this Ed-Flex authority for the approved period.
Their state education agencies now have delegated waiver authority within the limits of the Ed-Flex law and approval.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may be affected indirectly when an approved state grants a waiver changing how selected federal program requirements are applied locally.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should review state or district notices if a local waiver changes a program affecting their child.
School / Institution Impact
Eligible districts and schools can seek waivers through the approved state process rather than requesting each waiver directly from the federal department.
Teacher / Staff Impact
No direct teacher-specific operational change was identified.
Key Dates
- 2026-08-21: additional Ed-Flex approvals announced.
What To Do
- Districts should consult their state education agency for eligible waiver categories and application procedures.
What To Watch Next
Watch for state waiver guidance, district applications and future Ed-Flex approvals.
Global Context
The approvals shift part of federal education waiver administration to participating states.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: U.S. Department of Education