U.S. Department of Education officials announced Wednesday they have approved Iowa’s plan for school accountability and support to meet new education standards under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, the Quad-City Times reported. The legislation, which replaced the No Child Left Behind policy, is designed to allow states flexibility in how they deliver education to students. Each state crafted a plan that it believes will best offer educational opportunities to meet the needs of the state and its students. Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said the state’s new standards include clear and rigorous standards for what students should know and be able to do, a school accountability system that steers support where and when schools need it most, and a structure for professional learning that emphasizes teacher leadership and evidence-based practices. The 237-page plan also features unique measures of student engagement, safety and learning environment, as well as postsecondary readiness.