HONOLULU (AP) - The state Department of Education has decided not to apply for a trial federal government program allowing for leeway from the strict requirements of the No Child Left Behind law.

The U.S. Department of Education gave states until Friday to apply for a more flexible way of helping failing schools.

The department was interested in the so-called "differentiated accountability" program. But it didn't apply because it failed to meet some requirements.

Up to 10 states will be chosen for a pilot program.

The program allows states to shift money for reforms based on how far below schools are from performance goals. It allows them to target money for reforms at campuses with the
most needs.

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