EducationNews.org - Obama's billions give school reform shot in arm

EducationNews.org - Obama's billions give school reform shot in arm

To compete for a share of $4 billion in federal education funds, California lawmakers approved a major school reform plan. But in Texas, the governor chose to opt out of the competition, arguing that it would give Washington too much power over education policy.


Obama's billions give school reform shot in arm

Virginia, D.C. will be among applicants for Race to the Top funds.


To compete for a share of $4 billion in federal education funds, California lawmakers approved a major school reform plan. But in Texas, the governor chose to opt out of the competition, arguing that it would give Washington too much power over education policy.

The contrasting approaches from the two most populous states show the political tensions the Obama administration's initiative has provoked as the first application deadline for the Race to the Top school reform fund approaches Tuesday. Virginia and the District are competing in round one, but Maryland is waiting for round two later this year.


Many states have tinkered with laws and policies in recent months to improve their chances in a competition Obama launched last year to shake up the education establishment. California is among the most prominent: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has signed bills to facilitate the use of student test data to evaluate teachers and to take aggressive steps to turn around struggling schools. One provision gives parents the power to bring about change directly through a petition drive.


The influential California Teachers Association opposed elements of the legislation. But there appears to be bipartisan support for the state's application.