America’s schools will get $ 4.35 billion to improve schools with Obama’s stimulus plan. The initiative will help those wanting to “improve schools and close the achievement gap” with the “Race to the Top” program. The U.S. Department of education announced nine places to share the $ 3.4 billion: There could be just a little more time before it is announced how much could be given to Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington D.C.. There is one more $ 350 million award to be given. This will involve having to come up with a new way of assessment.
Others besides ‘Race to the Top’ winners changing
The grant coming from “Race to the Top” has changed more states. These states want to do better also. New teacher accountability directives and no caps on funding for charter schools are two of many moves states have made to make an effort to win the “Race to the Top” prize. 19 finalists were chosen in July from 35 states and also the District of Columbia who applied for round 2. So far, 46 states and the District of Columbia have applied for “Race to the Top.”.
No teachers union and state education leaders
“Race to the Top” hasn’t met with universal approval. According to MSNBC, teachers unions were uneasy about signing on to any reforms that would connect teacher evaluations with student standardized test performance, when various state education officials expressed concern as to whether or not purchasing into reforms in the “Race to the Top” would mean that school districts would be giving up too much control to the federal government.
America needs some change
There is a positive overall outlook so far. Democrats for Education Reform released a public statement in which the organization clearly showed that it has its finger on the pulse of what most of the nation is thinking about “Race to the Top.”. 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 businesses 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.
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MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/38827310
President Obama on “Race to the Top
youtube.com/watch?v=VNbDv0zPBV4
