California still in 'Race to the Top'

California was among 18 states and the District of Columbia selected as finalists Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education in the second round of its landmark $3.4 billion "Race to the Top" school reform grant contest.Commie Llanos in the Daily News.

After a disappointing finish by California last spring - when it placed 27th out of 41 and missed out on any grant money - educators celebrated the state's selection among 36 states competing in the second round.

Ultimately, 10 to 15 states could be selected in September to share a $3.4 billion federal pot, of which California would get about $700 million.