Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon applied for a waiver Monday from the federal No Child Left Behind law.

The Obama Administration wants to change the law, but with slow going in Congress, officials are allowing states to waive the law's requirements if they offer acceptable alternatives.

Oregon's application shifts away from penalizing schools if too many students fail to meet a specific benchmark.

Oregon officials say the new plan emphasizes how students are progressing – and offers more support, rather than sanctions for schools.

Critics argue Oregon's waiver would still rely too much on high-stakes tests.

State schools' superintendent Susan Castillo argues testing is only part of Oregon's new monitoring plan.

"While we still have summative tests as part of the data that we will look at, it's one part of the picture, and our plan is for a more robust look at how all of our students are doing, and what it takes to create success for our schools. It's not just about a test score."

Castillo says she expects to continue working with federal officials through March to refine Oregon's system of accountability for schools.

State officials hope to get the alternative system approved this spring and in place to judge school results from the current academic year.