Some Hints on Who's Applying for i3
The list of those who say they intend to apply for the $650 million Investing in Innovation grants isn't online yet, but the U.S. Department of Education has offered a glimpse into the future of i3.
First, every state plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico had at least two school districts or nonprofits tell the department they plan to apply. (The act of notifying the department of an intent to apply is really just a courtesy, and prospective applicants can change their minds and apply—or not apply.) Not surprising, because of their sheer size, California, New York and Texas had the most applicants, at more than 100 each. The deadline to formally apply for these awards is May 11, at 4:30 p.m. (on the dot!)
Second, it appears that prospective applicants want to focus their grant proposals on standards and assessments and turning around low-performing schools. In competing for i3, applicants have to decide which of