The House Education committee has rejected a proposed ban on using multi-state Common Core academic standards in the state's public schools.
On Friday, the committee voted 10-7 against the bill, that would prevent any school district or official from giving "any measure of control" over academic standards to any group outside Kansas.
Common Core foes opponents are split over whether to pursue softer language for the bill to help it advance.
In 2010, The State Board of Education adopted Common Core standards for reading and math developed by the National Governors Association and education associations.
Supporters see them as rigorous standards emphasizing critical thinking.
The standards have been strongly criticized over changes in how material is taught, but opponents haven't been able to get a ban through the Legislature.