"Enticed by the prize of $4.35 billion in federal money for schools, Illinois and other states are polishing their academic credentials, legislating away obstacles to reform and turning on the charm.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan cautions that the unprecedented competition, called Race to the Top, will have 'winners and losers,' with perhaps 10 to 20 states qualifying for the first round of money plus the prestige of being recognized as a leader in public education reform.
Illinois is vying to be chosen in the first round. If successful, the state stands to gain between $200 million and $400 million during the next four years.
Education experts said this could be Illinois' best chance to afford big-ticket reforms for public schools, with the state beset by financial trouble amid a lingering recession."
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan cautions that the unprecedented competition, called Race to the Top, will have 'winners and losers,' with perhaps 10 to 20 states qualifying for the first round of money plus the prestige of being recognized as a leader in public education reform.
Illinois is vying to be chosen in the first round. If successful, the state stands to gain between $200 million and $400 million during the next four years.
Education experts said this could be Illinois' best chance to afford big-ticket reforms for public schools, with the state beset by financial trouble amid a lingering recession."