Money makes a lot of things happen, but can it drive more states to tackle comprehensive school reform?
States have been working hard to put in place the changes required to apply for the first set of $4.35 billion federal Race to the Top funds that were included in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) or stimulus bill. The Race to the Top program funds states (and in 2011, may fund individual districts) to take on system-wide school improvements that focus on four areas: common, internationally benchmarked standards; effective teachers and principals; data to inform decisions; and turnaround of struggling schools.
The deadline for the first round of funding ("Phase 1") was January 19, 2010 -- and 40 states and the District of Columbia submitted applications, more than the Administration expected. Winners will be announced in April. A second round of state applications is due in June, with winners announced in September. Ten states – Alaska, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Washington – did not apply for Phase 1.
In a January 19 conference call with reporters, Education Secretary said the program was already helping to “drive significant change” around the country. “Forty-eight states are working together to develop common college-ready ... standards. A dozen states have amended or protected their charter laws,” he said. “Best of all, at the local and state levels, stakeholders are working together in collaboration to develop comprehensive reform plans. Superintendents, unions, elected officials, governors, and administrators—everyone is stepping up and taking responsibility.”
