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 Monday. 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.
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