By Devin Katayama
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky Department of Education expects to hear this week whether the state will be awarded a Race to the Top consolation grant. KDE learned last week that it will not receive any of the $500 million of federal funding for early childhood education. Kentucky is now one of seven states, which have failed to win a grant in the first two phases. Spokeswoman Lisa Gross says the KDE now may potentially share some of the $200 million available in phase three. Kentucky may expect to win around $17 million, which is based on the state's population. Previously Gross said the state requested 175 million dollars for the first two rounds. If Kentucky wins the 17 million dollars, the grants will not be applied to early childhood, but will support school improvements.