Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Obama administration is inviting school districts across the country to compete for almost $400 million in grants through the Race to the Top program.

The first rounds of the 3-year-old program provided grants to states that agreed to ambitious education reforms. This year, the Education Department is opening the competition to school districts.

About 15 to 25 grants will be handed out, ranging from $5 million to $40 million each. Districts must show how they'll use the money to personalize learning, prepare kids for college and close the achievement gap. They also must put evaluation systems in place for teachers and administrators.

Districts have until the end of October to apply. They'll find out if they've been chosen by the end of the year.