MELISSA HELLMANN, Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An effort to repeal national educational standards in math and reading is moving forward in the Kansas Legislature.

The House Education Committee approved a bill last month that would prohibit school districts from using Common Core standards. The Kansas Department of Education says the standards will better prepare students for college and life, but critics say they set a national curriculum instead of letting local leaders decide what’s best for students.

House Speaker Ray Merrick’s spokeswoman Rachel Whitten said the bill was sent back to committee to remove the most-opposed provisions. Common Core supporters say they worry that signals the bill could pass this year.

The standards call for a classroom focus on analytical skills instead of rote memorization.