North Carolina may be closing in on $400 million in federal grants to help its public schools. Credit goes to state education officials who put together a package of proposals, including networks of schools focused on math and science and a program where some of the best college graduates would agree to teach in poor schools. The state would push for higher test scores and a better high school graduation rate.
It's part of a competition for federal funds, one that North Carolina has done well in before, though not well enough to get the money. This time, the state is one of 19 finalists for the funding, which could make a particular difference in tough economic times. The winners will be chosen in September.
Certainly the state's track record in recent years of focusing on improving its public schools - improvements that surely were called for - ought to help. All states are in need. North Carolina has a good plan and a good case.
