Mississippi interim state superintendent Lynn House says a waiver from key provisions of the No Child Left Behind law means schools will have more flexibility with public education.

Mississippi was among six states and the District of Columbia that were granted waivers most recently from the Bush-era law.

Thirty-two states have now been granted waivers; four others have outstanding requests.

States granted waivers will be exempt from the law's requirement that all students be proficient in math and reading by 2014, a goal the nation is still far from reaching.

In its place, the U.S. Education Department has approved state plans aimed at improving
low-performing schools, increasing teacher efficiency and preparing students for college and careers.

Mississippi applied for the waiver in February.