By Kentucky Public Radio
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky is one of the 16 finalists vying for some four-point-three billion dollars from the U-S Department of Education in its Race to the Top Competition. Education Secretary Arnie Duncan released the list today. He says 41 states applied for a share of the money to dramatically re-shape America's educational system.
"We couldn't be more proud of the hard work, the commitment around the country to driving reform, and taking student achievement to an entirely different level. Today we're pleased to announce we'll be interviewing 16 finalists as part of the first round of competition, and announcing the final winners in the first week in April."
Ohio and Tennessee are also among the finalists for Phase One money. Secretary Duncan says states competing for Race to the Top funds were asked to document past education reform successes, as well as outline plans to extend reforms using college and career-ready standards and assessments. He says the whole idea is to better engage and prepare students for success in a competitive 21st century economy and workplace.