Race to the Top: Do California, Florida have a chance?
The Education Department has released the scores and reviewer comments from Round 1 of the Race to the Top competition. One aim is to help states improve their applications in the next round.
On Monday, a happy Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen listens to the applause as he meets with members of the media to discuss the Race to the Top announcement at Eakin Elementary School in Nashville. Does California and Florida have a chance for Round 2?
Larry McCormack/The Tennessean/AP
For states hoping to get a portion of the $4 billion that the federal government is offering to spur education reform, the announcement of the Round 1 winners Monday produced both guidance and questions.
Just two states – Delaware and Tennessee – were awarded grants worth $600 million total in the first round of the Race to the Top competition. That leaves the bulk of the pot (about $3.4 billion) for Round 2, which has a June 1 deadline for applications.
The similarity of the two winners’ applications has led some observers to speculate about the elements that seem most important – such as sophisticated data systems, broad buy-in from state unions and districts, and a focus on linking teacher evaluations to student gains. Observers have also questioned whether it will be possible for other states, particularly ones that are larger and more complex, to win without those elements.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education has posted all