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State Says Federal No Child Waiver Unrealistic

Arkansas education officials say the terms of its waiver to vary from the federal No Child Left Behind law are too strict in student achievement and teacher placement.

Education Commissioner Tom Kimbrell said Monday that if the state is to renew its waiver agreement, the state will have to show it has highly effective teachers in each classroom.

The state would also have to bring almost all students up to grade level in math and literacy by the end of the school year.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Kimbrell told the commission that his agency may have to start over with a new waiver application.

Without a waiver, most Arkansas public schools would have to devote part of their federal aid to pay for tutoring.

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