SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota's Education Department wants to change how it evaluates the quality of the state's public schools.

The 100-point school performance index was created by in-state work groups in 2011 to take the place of No Child Left Behind's accountability system. It's due to be fully implemented next school year after a two-year phase-in period.

The Argus Leader reports state officials want to scrap two categories -- school climate, and effectiveness of teachers and principals. Officials say eliminating the subjective surveys would enable school officials to be honest about their problems without fear of lowering their index score.

The state Board of Education will act on the proposed changes later. A rough draft of the proposed changes is expected to be available for public comment sometime this coming winter.

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