By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – The Illinois State Board of Education is reports the latest standardized test results show a narrowing achievement gap among elementary students. The board is attributing at least some of the progress to gains among black, special education and low-income students. Nine schools have upgraded their status under the decade-old No Child Left Behind Act because they've made adequate progress for two years in a row. The board's announcement also comes as the state completes an application for a waiver from certain requirements of the federal law. The waiver is being offered by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education.