Waivers
Help for local educational agencies in requesting a waiver from the California State Board of Education; provides flexibility to the California Education Code, Title 5 Regulation, and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.Waiver Process for the California State Board of Education
The purpose of a waiver is to provide flexibility in a school district or county office of education without undermining the basic intent of the law. The governing board of a school district or county office of education may request a waiver of parts of the California Education Code and regulations. The State Board of Education (SBE) may approve such waivers under the non-waivable general waiver authority, sections 33050-33053. Some statutes are excluded from the general waiver authority.
Specific waivers are granted under the authority given to the SBE in various specific Education Code sections and are generally more limited in scope.
The specific authority most commonly used is Education Code Section 56101 for students with disabilities
.
In addition to school districts and county office governing boards, Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPA's) may request this waiver for students with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions most commonly asked about waivers to the State Board of Education, the online waiver application, and Waiver Request System.
Submit a Waiver Request
Information about the online waiver process to submit waivers to the State Board of Education.
Information includes what data elements are required for submission, required attachments for some waivers, and sample Education Code strike-out language.
2022-2023 Waiver Calendar
Calendar dates for the State Board of Education meetings.
Weekly Waivers Received
Waivers submitted to the California Department of Education on a weekly basis.
Waiver Reports
For the years 2016 through 2021.
Waiver Policies
Here are the most current ones available. Waiver policies that used to reside on the State Board of Education's web site are now on this page.
Waiver Contact Guide
List of topics of waiver requests and the corresponding department staff.
Contact the Waiver Office
Mailing Address
ATTN: Waiver Office
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 5602
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone or Fax
Main Telephone Number:
916-319-0824
Fax Number: 916-319-0117
Other Places to Visit
State Board of Education Waivers - CalEdFacts
Part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California.
For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.
State Board of Education
For more information on the State Board of Education, visit its website.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Got a question regarding teaching credentials waiver? Visit the CTC’s website.