Topeka ? Kansas is receiving a $4.4 million federal grant to continue efforts to turn around its persistently lowest-achieving schools.

The Kansas State Department of Education says the money will benefit seven schools in the Wichita, Kansas City, Kan., Topeka, Cherokee and Liberal school districts.

The schools have received funding previously from the U.S. Department of Education program, which requires districts to choose an aggressive turnaround model. One option is replacing the principal and improving the school through comprehensive reforms.