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Michigan loses third attempt at Race to the Top

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-997464.mp3

LANSING, MI –

The state has lost a competition for federal funding for education programs for the third time in three years. As Michigan Public Radio's Laura Weber reports, the third time was not the charm for the state's application in the federal "Race to the Top" program.

The state Department of Education touted what it believed to be strong applications for three separate shots at "Race to the Top" federal funds for education reform.

Right before Christmas two years ago the state Legislature even met on a rare weekend session day to approve major education system changes so the state could make a stronger case for the federal money. Michigan's application for "Race to the Top" funds was rejected then, and it was rejected again this time as the state applied for a program aimed specifically at bolstering early childhood education programs.

State Superintendent Michael Flanagan expressed his disappointment, saying Washington D.C. "needs to support states like Michigan that have great need; a record of change and reform; and committed leaders."

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