The U.S. Department of Education has okayed Iowa's request for a one-year freeze on state targets under the No Child Left Behind Act.
State Education Director Jason Glass says the freeze will give the state time to seek permanent relief from what he calls the "unrealistic accountability measures."
Iowa's request followed a decision by the federal government to deny a waiver from key provisions.
Under the law, all children are required to be at grade level in math and reading by 2014.
Schools that don't accomplish that goal face stiff penalties, including mandates to replace staff.