Michigan's Race to the Top application submitted

After seven months of back and forth in Lansing and throughout the state, Michigan has finally made the necessary education reforms to apply for $526 million in federal school funding through the Race to the Top program, Detroit News reports.

The application, sent to the U.S. Department of Education on Monday, detailed plans to implement the education reforms passed by lawmakers in December and a detailed budget. You can download the whole application (PDF) at Detroit News.

The Obama administration will announce winners of the funding in April. Even if Michigan doesn't win the funding, the legislation will still go into effect. This includes increasing the high school dropout age to 18; linking teachers' compensation to students progress; allowing state takeovers of failing schools; and opening more charter schools.

$526 million sure would give a needed boost to our schools. What do you think about the reforms made in order to qualify for it?