Administration sets criteria for new school grants

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration is inviting school districts to compete for $400 million in grants, taking its Race to the Top education initiative to the classroom level.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan is to announce the new competition Tuesday. The competition is open to school districts with at least 2,500 students that have 40 percent or more students who qualify for free or reduced price lunches.

The administration is encouraging school districts to create plans designed to close achievement gaps and prepare students for college or careers.

Race to the Top has already awarded billions to winning states to implement educational reforms the administration favors. Congress approved $550 million for the new competition in this budget year.

The awards will range from $15 million to $25 million for each winning district.