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Race to the Top Lives Beyond the Stimulus Package
January 21, 2010As 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"
The New York Times
"Gov.
Perry: Texas won't seek 'Race to the Top' education funding"
USA TODAY
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