November 4, 2009 Obama coaxes states to change with school dollars Play video

(NECN/AP: Madison, Wis.) - President Barack Obama is making a pitch for states to rewrite their education laws and is offering some $5 billion in education grants as leverage.

Obama on Wednesday told an audience in Wisconsin that an education in the United States is a prerequisite to success and that Washington stands ready to help states teach their students. He is making a fresh pitch and challenging lawmakers to set aside bickering and make education a national priority.

Obama's "Race to the Top" grants will go to states that take a top-to-bottom approach to an overhaul. Obama's administration says it might require some schools to shut down or to replace at least half of the staff.

Teachers unions have opposed such drastic steps.