|
|
|  | |||
|
Find Your Congressman & Senators View the current Government Relations Committee Members
|
|
| |||
|
Race to the Top Lives Beyond the Stimulus PackageJanuary 21, 2010—As noted in the comments on the final priorities for the Race to the Top competition, "The [Department of Education] has fully aligned the school intervention requirements and definitions across Race to the Top, the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, and the forthcoming Title I School Improvement Grants final notice...to make it easier for States to develop consistent and coherent plans across these three programs." Many education analysts have taken this as a sign that these programs are a precursor to what the Dept. of Ed. and President Obama would like to see in the ESEA reauthorization. Now, President Obama has announced his plans to expand the Race to the Top funding beyond the amount provided in the stimulus bill and to include it in his 2011 budget request--a further sign that the Obama Administration believes that ideas used in these competitions are keys to success for America's schools. The $1.35 billion for FY 2011 would "support further incentives for states to revise, strengthen and implement their plans for education reform in order to qualify for an award under the program. This plan will also invigorate district-level reform by expanding the Race to the Top beyond just states but to school districts ready to embark on system-wide improvement of their education policies and practices." There are three important points for publishers to note in this expansion. First, while previously the industry has discussed how to talk to schools about spending this one-time influx, companies can now start discussing more long-term sales strategies with their customer. Second, President Obama is purposefully opening the competition to school districts that want to apply for the money even if the state, such as Texas, is opposed to the funds, which creates potential new markets for our industry. Finally, in order to even apply for the grants, schools must meet several requirements. Reviewing and understanding these criteria will help publishers understand the current and future needs of these schools. "We'll open up opportunity--evenly and equitably--across our education system," stated President Obama. "We'll develop a culture of innovation and excellence in our public schools. And we'll reward success, and replicate it across the country. These are some of the principles that drive Race to the Top. These are some of the principles that will drive my forthcoming budget." More Information Final Race to the Top priorities President Obama to Announce Plans for "Race to the Top" Expansion Remarks by the President on Race to the Top at Graham Road Elementary School "In
Race for U.S. School Grants Is a Fear of Winning" "Gov.
Perry: Texas won't seek 'Race to the Top' education funding" | |||||
|
© 2010 The Association of Educational
Publishers | |||||
