MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle said the Legislature's approval of removing a ban on using student test scores to evaluate teachers puts the state in better position to qualify for federal stimulus money.

Wisconsin is one of only two states with the ban, which President Barack Obama's administration has said will make it ineligible for the nearly $4.5 billion Race to the Top education grants.

Doyle said Friday that even though the student test data couldn't be used to discipline teachers, he believes removing the ban is a critical step to qualifying for the money.

"It really helps Wisconsin move forward, not only putting us in better position for Race to the Top, but I think really helping to improve the long-term education for our students," Doyle said.

Doyle again said he plans to call a special session to consider the bill to give control of Milwaukee schools to the mayor.