By Chad Lampe/AP
Murray, KY – Kentucky and Illinois are among twenty finalists in the second round of the federal "Race to the Top" school reform grant competition. The two states have a shot at winning a share of the grant totaling 3 billion-dollars. The competition rewards ambitious reforms aimed at improving struggling schools and closing the achievement gap. Tennessee and Delaware, were awarded a total of $600 million in the first round. Kentucky Department of Education officials say the U.S. DOE could announce winner(s) by mid-August.