Missouri Public Education Loses First Round of "Race to the Top" COLUMBIA, MO (KBIA) - Missouri's Public Education lost in the first round of the "Race to the Top" program. The program is replacing the "No Child Left Behind Act" and has states compete for federal dollars. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requesting funding from the Missouri legislature to submit another proposal for the second round.

Many of Missouri's educators, like Chris Guinther, believe that the legislature's support will help propel students' education in public schools.

"Well, I'm hoping that the legislature supports it," he says. "The legislature has a responsibility to make sure that every one of our students has the opportunity to attend a great public school."

Sixteen states made it to the next round out of a total applicant pool of 40 states and the District of Columbia. Missouri will have a chance to re-enter the race this June. © Copyright 2012, KBIA