LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has rejected a rule change that would’ve adjusted the passing threshold of an exam required for admission into the state’s teacher colleges.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Ricketts is concerned that the change to the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators proficiency exam would reduce standards for teachers in Nebraska. But education advocates say the adjustment would eliminate a barrier for good candidates and help increase the state’s teaching workforce.

Ricketts says state Department of Education officials will work to revise the rule to increase the teaching workforce and maintain high teacher quality.

College students must pass the exam in order to be accepted into the state’s teacher education programs. The proficiency test measures academic skills in reading, writing and math.