Race to the Top, Round Two
Education Secretary Arne Duncan has named 18 states and the District of Columbia as finalists in the Race to the Top contest to show the best school reform plans.
Education Week reports that each state will assemble a group of five people to come to Washington the week of August 9 to make last-ditch pitches for a share of the $3.4 billion in federal money still left in the pot. Duncan has previously stated that there could be 10-15 winners in the second round.
Delaware and Tennessee won the first round, sharing $600 million. The 19 Round Two finalists are: Arizona, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
Forty six states and the District have so far competed in either Round One or Two or both. States are judged on plans to raise standards, improve teaching, use data more effectively to support student learning, and turn around under-performing schools. Duncan said the improvement in proposals between the first and second rounds “was absolutely inspiring.”
In a speech at which he announced the finalists, Duncan said: “From educators to parents and political leaders to journalists — there is a growing sense that a quiet revolution is underway in our homes and schools, classrooms, and communities.”
Race to the Top has drawn criticism from the 3.2 million-member National Education Association (NEA), according to T.H.E. Journal. The NAACP and National Urban League have said it shortchanges impoverished school districts. President Obama has vowed to use his veto power, if necessary, to protect the program.
Filed under: K-12 Education News
Tags: Education Policy, Public Policy
