Ed-Flex Waiver Renewal

Indianapolis Public Schools is applying to renew its Ed-Flex Waiver.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) allows school districts to apply for flexibility through the Ed-Flex Waiver program, which is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. This flexibility helps districts remove barriers that may prevent them from best meeting students' instructional needs.

On behalf of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), the Human Resources – Employment & Operations Team will be submitting a request to renew Waiver 2: Increased Flexibility to Paraprofessional Requirements.

Available Waivers

IDOE currently has four waivers available to Indiana school districts:

• Waiver 1: Increased Title I carryover allowability from 15% to 25%
• Waiver 2: Increase flexibility to paraprofessional requirements
• Waiver 3: Applicable only to the Indiana Department of Corrections
• Waiver 4: Increased flexibility in Title IV spending requirements for districts that receive over $30,000

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Below is a helpful FAQ about the waiver, why IPS is applying for it, and how it will be used.

Click here to submit questions/comments regarding the Ed-Flex Waiver request by September 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ed-Flex Waiver?An Ed-Flex (Educational Flexibility) Waiver allows states and districts to waive certain federal education requirements to improve academic achievement.

Question	Answer
Why is IPS applying for a Waiver 2 Ed-Flex?	Waiver 2 gives IPS flexibility in determining paraprofessional qualifications, allowing the district to retain highly effective staff based on job-embedded experience and training, not just formal credentials.
What does Waiver 2 allow IPS to do?	It allows IPS to use additional qualification pathways—including work experience, coursework, and credentials—instead of strictly requiring an associate degree or passage of a formal assessment like ParaPro.
What programs does this waiver impact?	This waiver applies to paraprofessionals working in Title I-funded schools or programs. These staff members assist with instructional delivery under the supervision of certified teachers.
What are the approved qualification pathways under Waiver 2?	Two years of college experience; A two-year college degree; Passed the Para-Pro Assessment (within the first year of employment); One year, or 1,000 hours of previous employment experience in a school or other setting in a position that supported student academic instruction; Passed annual school-level evaluations; Completed 48 credit hours of college level classes; OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Why does this flexibility matter?	It helps IPS recruit and retain talented paraprofessionals—especially those who are already making an impact in classrooms—but who may not have completed a degree program. It promotes equity and removes unnecessary barriers for capable staff.
How can the public provide input?	Public comments may be submitted by completing the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/XuCAouqdDr763V7v6
How will this waiver benefit students?	By retaining paraprofessionals with strong instructional experience, IPS can ensure consistent academic support in classrooms—especially in high-need schools—leading to improved learning outcomes and better student-to-adult ratios.