Obama Coaxes States to Change With School Dollars

Madison, Wis.

President Barack Obama challenged states Wednesday to get their education policies in line with his administration's priorities if they want a chance at $5 billion in grants.

"If you're willing to hold yourselves more accountable, if you develop a strong plan to improve the quality of education in your state, we'll offer you a grant to help make that plan a reality," Obama said while speaking at a Wisconsin middle school.

Marking one year since his victory in the presidential election, Obama said his administration's first obligation was bringing the U.S. economy back from the brink of collapse. But long-term economic success, he said, can only be achieved by...