Mo. doesn't qualify for federal education grants

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri has lost in the opening round of a federal competition for education grants.

The U.S. Department of Education said Thursday that Missouri's application for nearly $750 million under the "Race to the Top" program is not among the finalists.

Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro said the state plans to submit a revised application by the next deadline on June 1.

The federal government has offered around $4.3 billion in grants for its "Race to the Top" program to help states revamp everything from teacher training and pay to the subjects taught in class.

Fifteeen states and the District of Columbia were selected as finalists. The first round of awards are to be announced in April.