NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has put partisan differences aside to join President Barack Obama for an announcement that states will be given more freedom to opt out of key parts of the federal No Child Left Behind law.

The Republican governor travelled to Washington for the announcement Friday and introduced the Democratic president at the White House event.

Haslam said the most informed educations decisions are made at the state and local levels and that Tennessee has made significant strides toward improving standards.

In Haslam's words: "I look forward to the federal government narrowing its role in education and allowing Tennessee the flexibility to abide by its own rigorous standards."

Tennessee formally requested a waiver on the No Child Left Behind law in July.