By State applies for $180 million grant to start charter schools
Montgomery, AL – - The state of Alabama has applied for a
$180 million grant from a $4.3 billion pot of federal money to
encourage innovations in education.
Gov. Bob Riley and deputy state school superintendent Tommy Bice
said the state's application for "Race to the Top" funds was
submitted Feb 19. The state expects to receive a response in April.
Riley said the state's chances would be better if the
Legislature adopted proposed legislation to allow the creation of
charter schools in Alabama. But Riley said none of the grant money
would be spent to create charter schools.
Riley said the money would be used in several areas, including
improving teacher development and expanding programs such as the
state's initiatives to improve student performance in reading and
in math and science.