President Obama announces plans to expand Race to
the Top
January 19, 2010
What is Race to the Top?
The Race to the Top Fund is a competitive grant program
authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(ARRA), is to encourage and reward States that are creating the
conditions for education innovation and reform; achieving
significant improvement in student outcomes, including making
substantial gains in student achievement, closing achievement gaps,
improving high school graduation rates, and ensuring student
preparation for success in college and careers; and implementing
ambitious plans in four core education reform areas:
- Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to
succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global
economy;
- Building data systems that measure student growth and success,
and inform teachers and principals about how they can improve
instruction;
- Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective
teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most;
and
- Turning around our lowest-achieving schools.
Awards in Race to the Top will go to States that are
leading the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for
implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive education
reform. Race to the Top winners will help trail-blaze
effective reforms and provide examples for States and local school
districts throughout the country to follow as they too are hard at
work on reforms that can transform our schools for decades to
come.
Download your Race to the
Top Essentials Kit
Watch President
Obama gives remarks at the Department of Education on Race to
the Top
EdisonLearning drives education innovation and reform
The Race to the Top Fund presents a vital opportunity
to make strategic investments in our educational system that will
pay dividends in years to come, helping us deliver on our
commitment to increase student achievement.
The United States Department of Education expects you to think
creatively before implementing evidence-based strategies.
EdisonLearning believes there are three fundamental criteria that
will best position your state in the competitive Race to the
Top:
- Student needs are
met
- Federal
expectations are satisfied
- Funding streams
are maximized
EdisonLearning can help you realize all of these
objectives. Our experts are ready to deliver innovative
educational services for you – initiatives that are measured in
student achievement, provide increased accountability and meet all
the ARRA
guidelines for implementation.
Source: Race to the Top Program Executive Summary,
November 2009.