School reform could cost you $ 4.35 billion if you win Race to the Top for your school

An economic stimulus plan was given by Obama explaining that schools in America will get $ 4.35 billion to improve. There is a reward given to schools within the “Race to the Top” program. If the community wants to “improve schools and close the achievement gap,” they qualify for the program. ”Race to the Top” has nine winners about to share the $ 3.4 billion says the U.S. Department of Education: Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. Grant amounts per state will be announced later. A later round with $ 350 million at stake for states that create new means of student assessment is still to come.

Change comes from more than just ‘Race to the Top’

States needing money have been inspired by the “Race to the Top” grant. States have tried winning “Race to the Top” by making more accountability directives for teachers and no caps on funding for charter schools. Round 2 of this was applied for by 35 states and also the District of Columbia. Of course, there were in July 19 finalists that were selected. So far, 46 states and also the District of Columbia have applied for “Race to the Top.”.

State education leaders and teachers unions against programs

”Race to the Top” can’t please everybody. It hasn’t been approved universally. MSNBC explains that teacher evaluations having a connection to standardized test performance wasn’t something teachers unions wanted while state education officials didn’t want school districts giving the federal government control with “Race to the Top”.

American changes that are needed

The overall outlook has been positive. The nation has strong opinions on “Race to the Top” which Democrats for Education Reform released a public statement about. The statement applauded the bold reform actions undertaken and expressed hope that under the president’s command, all groups involved in reform – from civil rights and child advocacy groups to local companies and other grassroots education reform collectives – would work in harmony with teachers unions to produce results that have been needed in America for numerous years.

More on this topic

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/38827310

President Obama on “Race to the Top

youtube.com/watch?v=VNbDv0zPBV4