About 1003 Flexibility Waivers
A 1003 flexibility waiver allows schools or school corporations to waive statutory or regulatory requirements. As outlined in House Enrolled Act 1003-2020, 1003 flexibility waivers offer tremendous potential for district and school leaders seeking to transform student learning at the local level. A superintendent or principal may request a waiver from certain provisions in Title 20 of the Indiana Code or Title 511 of the Indiana Administrative Code. Of 225 total requirements, 96 are waivable with a 1003 flexibility waiver. A list of non-waivable provisions can be found in the Flexibility Guide for Indiana's K-12 Schools (page 17).
The objective of the waiver is to promote innovative approaches to student learning that will enhance student performance outcomes by requesting exemption from identified state mandates that present additional barriers to innovation and improvement. A successful waiver is one with clearly defined, student-centered goals and is reflective of the community’s needs.
Examples: How Do They Innovate?
In 2023 and 2024, school corporations received a waiver for the Civics Education grade level requirement. This waiver allowed the school corporation the flexibility to implement an innovative strategy that involved restructuring the curriculum for the benefit of the students.
How to Apply
A superintendent or principal may apply for a 1003 flexibility waiver using the JotForm. Applications will be reviewed by Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) staff on a rolling basis from late fall until early spring. Applications that pass initial review will be submitted to the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) with a recommendation for approval. Applicants with requests deemed insufficient or incomplete will be asked to submit additional information. Waivers that are approved by SBOE will begin implementation at the start of the upcoming school year.
Application Information and Key Components
Requestor Information
The application should include relevant school information, including the applicant’s contact information, corporation name and number, as well as the school name and number, if applicable.
Reasons for Flexibility Request
Under this section, the requester will select the reason(s) for requesting flexibility. More than one reason may be identified. Per Indiana law, the approved reasons for flexibility are:
- To improve student performance and outcomes,
- To offer the school or group of schools making the request flexibility in the administration of educational programs or improve the efficiency of school operations,
- To promote innovative educational approaches to student learning; or
- To advance the mission or purpose of the school or group of schools.
Waiver Information
Under this section, the requester will describe how the requested flexibility will create an avenue for innovative ways of educating children within the corporation. The application should detail actionable steps that will be taken to achieve those goals, as well as measurable data and benchmarks that will be used to monitor progress to goals.
- Demonstrate how the proposed programs, strategies, or approaches are new, innovative, and more flexible than current school/corporation programs, strategies, or approaches; and
- Describe, in detail, how the plan supports all students achieving a learner-centered, future-focused education
Flexibility Requested
Under this section, the requester will identify the waivable statute(s) and provide a rationale explaining why the innovative proposal requires the exemption. IDOE reviewers will be looking for specific, student-centered goals and outcomes that clearly articulate how the flexibility will support academic achievement for students.