Topeka ? Kansas is awaiting final word on a request submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for a waiver from the No Child Left Behind law.

The state submitted its 216-page application in February and has been negotiating with federal officials to use an alternative method for measuring school and student achievement. Kansas was one of 26 states to apply in the most recent round of waiver requests.

Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker says Wednesday that more discussions are expected later in the week but it is likely the state’s application will be denied.

The waiver has been the subject of questioning during a school finance trial under way in Topeka, where an attorney suggested waiver approval was almost certain.