Conn. Lawmakers May Beef Up Race to Top Plan

Hartford, Conn.

Connecticut lawmakers are considering ways to fortify the state's application for millions of dollars in education funding under the president's "Race to the Top" initiative, concerned the state won't receive funding in the first round.

The co-chairmen of the General Assembly's Education Committee said they expect to offer legislation in the coming weeks that, among other things, would expand student access to charter schools and school choice programs, and create alternative routes to certification for administrators — all to improve the state's chances of matching the federal initiative's goals.

The state Department of Education submitted its application about a month ago, a four-year, $192 million plan to improve public school standards, instruction, teaching, and turn around lowest performing school districts. But of the 40 states participating, it's estimated that only about 10 or so could...