LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' education commissioner says he's grateful the federal government has granted the state relief from key requirements of the No Child Left Behind law.
Tom Kimbrell said Friday that flexibility will allow the state to evaluate schools in terms of performance, growth and graduation rate.
Arkansas is one of five more states that will be freed from the No Child Left Behind requirement that all students test proficient in math and science by 2014. A total of 24 states have now been given waivers.
Arkansas and the other states have to develop accountability plans that set new targets for raising achievement and other goals.
The state education department says Arkansas' goal is to ensure all students graduate from high school ready for success in college or a career.
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