Obama Seeks Additional $1.35 Billion in Education Funds

President Obama is seeking an additional $1.35 billion for education reform in his proposed 2011 budget.

During a visit to a suburban Virginia elementary school Wednesday, the president touted "Race to the Top," his signature education program that gives states additional federal aid for plans designed to boost student performance, The Swamp reported.

"Race to the Top" already receives more than $4 billion in grants, as part of last year's economic stimulus package. The additional $1.35 billion will be part of the new budget that Obama will put forth in February.

Around 30 states are expected to submit applications by next week's deadline for the first round of funding under the program, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The White House said the program, which encourages states to push innovation and impose strict testing standards, will go beyond the state level to benefit individual school districts that want to overhaul their policies.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is promoting "Race to the Top" along with a group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers, including former GOP Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida.