HONOLULU (AP) — The Obama administration on Monday approved Hawaii’s request for a waiver from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind education law.

In 2011, the administration announced it would let states avoid certain requirements, like students showing they’re proficient in reading and math by 2014, if other conditions were met. Those conditions included states imposing their own standards to prepare students for college and careers and setting evaluation standards for teachers and principals.

Critics of No Child Left Behind call it a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to education.

Hawaii is calling their redesigned plan, Strive HI Performance System. Now that the school year is coming to an end, the district will work with complex area superintendents and principals over the summer to implement the system in the fall.

Hawaii Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi says Monday’s approval will help focus on college and career readiness, rewarding high-performing schools and customizing student support. …

Kathryn Matayoshi.

—Chad Blair