Pennsylvania is still in the running for Race to the Top money from the U.S. Department of Education.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan today announced that 15 states and the District of Columbia are finalists in Phase 1 of the two-phase competition for $4.35 billion. The winners will be announced next month.

Pennsylvania is competing for up to $400 million for school districts and charter schools that agreed to foster certain practices and meet student achievement targets. One controversial point was using data on student growth in teacher and principal evaluations.

In addition to Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, the finalists are Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Tennessee.

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

A total of 40 states and the District of Columbia applied in Phase 1. Those not selected as well as other states can compete in Phase 2.

"Pennsylvania's emergence as a Race to the Top finalist is a direct reflection of not only the quality of the reforms outlined in our application, but also the effectiveness of the reforms that Pennsylvania already has undertaken," Gov. Ed Rendell said today. "We are extremely pleased to be among the handful of states to make the cut."

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