(AP) – Kansas has joined a growing number of states that will seek federal permission for flexibility from the No Child Left Behind law.

The State Board of Education on Tuesday authorized the Kansas Department of Education to request a waiver in February. The request would spell out how the state will continue to work toward the national student achievement goals.

President Barack Obama last month encouraged states to apply for waivers, saying he was frustrated that Congress was slow to make changes. The law was passed in 2002 and was due for revisions in 2007 but has been delayed.

Thirty-seven states are planning to request waivers.