The state of Nebraska will penalize schools whose students are performing below average.

The state Board of Education Friday passed a rule by which school districts with low student-performance ratings under state standards for reading and math would have to develop plans for improvement.

If students do not improve within three years, the districts would be placed on one-year probation. Schools not passing probation then would lose accreditation and all state funding.

Under the rule adopted on a 7-0 vote, schools could apply to the board for a hardship extension of one year.

The board's rule also would give school districts with low assessment quality ratings one year to improve.

The rule will be presented at a public hearing for reaction and possible modifications in early February and could go into effect this fall.