Federal officials are still reviewing Wisconsin's application for flexibility under the federal No Child Left Behind law.

The U.S. Department of Education announced the approval of waivers for eight states Tuesday. Wisconsin was not among them.

The state education department is working with federal officials to modify their original application. Education Information Services director John Johnson said he expects approval within a couple months.

Wisconsin's application included proposals to rate schools based on student performance, improvement on state tests, progress toward closing the achievement gap and preparation of students for college and careers.

The federal law requires students to achieve proficient math and reading scores by 2014, a goal many educators say is impossible. Last year, President Barack Obama said states could avoid the requirements if they develop their own accountability systems.