A Minnesota School Readiness Study says only about 55 percent of incoming kindergarten students are ready for school. State education officials say a child's readiness entering school is the biggest indicator of future academic success.

The AP quotes an anonymous official who says ten states, including Minnesota, will get waivers from the federal "No Child Left Behind" law. The law requires all students to show proficiency in math and reading by 2014, but some educators say that goal is unrealistic, and that the law is too strict and leads schools to "teach to the test."

Education officials will revise Minnesota's application for a waiver from the federal law in light of conditions laid out by President Obama. The state wants to be freed from the testing requirements and mandatory sanctions in No Child Left Behind.

The University of Iowa’s reputation as a party mecca for students is growing, in spite of university efforts to curb underage and binge drinking. University officials are not pleased. On a list of schools where students study the least, UND was No. 2.

The state has developed new ways to measure school performance if a requested waiver from No Child Left Behind is approved. The Education Commissioner thinks they'll be fairer and more accurate. A state business leader thinks they'll "destroy the accountability system for schools."

A new survey of manufacturers shows the biggest shortages are in skilled production, followed by scientists and engineers. Officials say the lack of skilled workers could hurt the state’s economic growth if manufacturers can’t ramp up production.

An agreement with the U.S. Department of Education would end a federal investigation into charges that Muslim students in the district faced harassment and discrimination. The district says its own investigation revealed many of the claims were accurate and says it took appropriate action when authorities learned about the problem.

Monticello School District and other officials are investigating allegations by a 12-year-old 7th grade student who says he was choked by a bus driver Tuesday afternoon. Travis Walker claims he was attacked by the driver after he answered a cell phone call from a sibling who was locked out of the house.