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PALMYRA, MO -- Missouri is one of five more states granted waiver from parts of the No Child Left Behind law.

One requirement they won't be required to meet is the lofty goal of having all students test proficient in math and science by 2014.

In exchange, states like Missouri that have been granted waivers must develop accountability plans that set new targets for raising achievement, advancing teacher effectiveness, and improving the performance of low-performing schools.

"What this does is that it will relieve us of some of those AYP (adequate yearly progress) targets we have to meet," Eric Churchwell, Palmyra R-1 superintendent said. "And in its place it will give us rigorous standards that are more attainable, more realistic so that we don't get labeled as failing schools."

The waiver will take effect within in the 2012-2013 school year. Officials say obtaining the waiver will help Missouri schools reach its goal to rank in the top 10 states nationwide in academic achievement by the year 2020.