Ga. part of 16 finalists for 'Race to the Top'

ATLANTA - Georgia is one of 16 finalists for more than $4 billion in competitive federal grants targeting education reform.

Georgia was selected Thursday from a pool of 41 applicants for the ``Race to the Top'' competition, which is designed to reward and spur states to lift student achievement through innovative programs. The money is part of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus law.

Georgia's application for the competition touted the state's welcoming attitude toward charter schools, one-of-a-kind graduation coach program and new push to pay teachers based on how their students perform academically.

"These states are an example for the country of what is possible when adults come together to do the right thing for children," U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said.

"Everyone that applied for Race to the Top is charting a path for education reform in America" Duncan continued. "I salute all of the applicants for their hard work. And I encourage non-finalists to reapply for phase 2."

The winners will be chosen in April after finalists go to D.C. to do interviews with education officials.