By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-888997.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Florida has been named a finalist for a piece of a $4.35-billion education grant from the federal government. Florida is one of sixteen finalists for the grant, called Race to the Top. Governor Charlie Crist made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
"It's March. We're approaching March Madness, and Florida is now in the sweet 16 and it's great news, it really is."
The state is requesting one-billion dollars to fund educational reform on everything from the way teachers are hired, fired and evaluated, to what and how students are taught. Forty-one states applied, sixteen are finalists, but only a handful will get an award. Florida will present its proposal before federal officials later in the month, and the Department of Education will name the winners in April.