NASHVILLE - The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Tennessee will receive a $500 million federal Race to the Top Grant to implement the state's comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years.

In a news release, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said Tennessee and Delaware each won grants in the first phase of the Race to the Top competition.

"We received many strong proposals from states all across America, but two applications stood out above all others: Delaware and Tennessee," Secretary Duncan said.

He said Delaware will receive about $100 million. Tennessee had sought $501 million.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.