New York finishes second in Race to the Top education funds, city could get $240 million
Tuesday, August 24th 2010, 12:29 PM
New York made it to the top, and that means millions for city schools.
The state placed second among 10 winners announced Tuesday in the second round of the competitive federal education contest known as Race to the Top.
New York is slated to get $700 over four years to help build a statewide system for tracking student progress and implementing a new statewide curriculum.
The city could get up to $240 million to lengthen the school day, improve teaching and turn around failing schools.
"Race to the Top has been a tremendous catalyst for precisely the kind of education reform we've supported and implemented in New York City," said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. "Now it is up to all of us to live up to this commitment and continue the important work that got us here."
After placing 15th among 16 finalists in the first round, New York polished its application by lifting the cap on charter schools to 460 from 200, linking teacher evaluations to student performance, and bringing more local school districts and unions on board.
It also axed over-priced furniture it requested
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