Is Iowa's Race to the Top application even in the running?

That's the question educators want to know as state applications for the $4.35 billion competitive program arrive in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Education expects to receive between 30 to 40 applications for the first round of funding today. The applications will be evaluated by peer reviewers, who will determine which states receive funding in the first round of the program.

In a teleconference today, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said he doesn't know how many states that includes.

"Quite frankly, there will be more losers than winners," Duncan said. "The bar is set very high."

States that don't receive money in the first round will have their applications returned to them with "specific" comments and suggestions. Those states can try again during the program's second application round.

Phase 1 winners will be announced in April. Phase 2 applications are due June 1.

So how will the applications be judged?

Duncan said states with clear ideas on how to raise the bar for all students and close the achievement gap are states who stand to be winners in the competition. States where all adult parties -- teachers, administrators, lawmakers, unions, school board members, etc. -- are committed to working together for education also will fare well.

That doesn't bolster confidence in Iowa's application.

The Iowa Association of School Board released an e-mail Thursday urging school board members to not sign the memorandum.

About 60 percent of the district's 361 school districts signed a memorandum of understanding, supporting the state's involvement in the program.

Only one of the state's eight  Urban Education Network of Iowa (UEN) school districts -- Iowa City -- signed the memorandum of understanding. And did so reluctantly.

Some educators believe the lack of support makes Iowa's application moot. Duncan said the department is committed to publishing all applications online with the scores so time will tell if that is true.