Changes on the way in coming school year - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Changes on the way in coming school year

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Children will probably notice some changes and challenges in the new school year

One is a more well-rounded curriculum with less focus on a single test. Another is higher academic standards and more difficult classwork. And they will likely see continued cuts to extracurricular and other activities because of the economy.

That from Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Duncan says he believes students will see the effects of those changes when they return to class.

Lots of states have gotten waivers from important parts of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law. As a result, there's a hodgepodge of individual state accountability plans for student performance and achievement.

Duncan says these state plans could help guide Congress in a needed rewrite of the law.