Race to the Top is an multi-phase initiative of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and aims to encourage and reward states for implementing significant reforms to education areas. The program is based on competitive entry, with millions of dollars in funding at stake. Districts must decide whether or not to sign on to Phase I of the program by January 11th and the Illinois State Board of Education is preparing the final application for the program which will be turned in January 19th. Awards will be made based on a point system, but the size of awards has yet to be fully determined. Many believe the program will replace the No Child Left Behind initiative.
Regional Superintendent of Schools, Keri Garrett says she has spoken with area district superintendents about the program, but they still have concerns the program's 'unknowns.' She says the bulk of information was released mid-December and the program has been evolving over the past couple of months, causing some confusion."