California To Make Second Attempt in Race to the Top
Race to the Top is a $4.35 billion federal initiative to reshape America’s educational system and to prepare our students for success in a competitive 21st century economy and workplace. The US Department of Education’s goal with Race to the Top is to spur progressive reforms in K-12 education at both the state level and local district level. California was one of 40 states seeking Phase One funding from Race to the Top. Unfortunately, California did not make the cut in this round of the competition. “I am disappointed that California was not selected as a finalist in Phase One of the Race to the Top competition,” shared California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell.
As noted by Theresa Harrington of the Contra Costa Times, each school, district-run or charter, that participated in Phase One of Race to the Top signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlined the following requirements:
- Pilot new student achievement growth accountability data.
- Train teachers in using data to enhance teaching.
- Improve teacher and principal effectiveness based on performance.
- Turn around lowest-achieving schools.
- Collaborate in statewide reform efforts.
Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) was one of 813 California school districts and charter schools that