Schools from 55 districts in 11 states plus the District of Columbia have won nearly $400 million in federal grants to promote school reform.

This year's version of President Barack Obama's Race to the Top competition let districts, rather than states, apply. The goal is to promote local solutions and personalized learning.

The grants range from $10 million to $40 million. Some districts teamed up to submit joint proposals. More than 300 proposals were rejected.

The winners include three charter school organizations.

Miami schools won $30 million for a proposal to put a math center in every middle school. Other districts will focus on training teachers, expanding technology and increasing accountability.

Education Secretary Arne (AR'-nee) Duncan says the winners demonstrated a vision to go beyond a one-size-fits-all model for reform.