MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Wisconsin education officials will apply for a waiver from No Child Left Behind, hoping to join 11 other states that were already granted breathing room from the landmark educational requirements.

The state Department of Public Instruction will submit its waiver request today.

The No Child law sets strict testing rules and requires minimum proficiency levels. But the Obama administration is letting states seek waivers if they prove their standards are more rigorous.

State Superintendent Tony Evers says the state's waiver includes provisions for holding schools accountable in four areas: student achievement, student academic growth, narrowed achievement gaps and readiness for higher education.

Under the state's proposal, schools and districts would be given accountability ratings. Top schools would get public recognition and the worst schools could face closure.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)