State Moves to Second Tier for Race to the Top Funds
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The U.S. Department of Education released the 16 finalists that advanced into the second phase of the competition that challenges states to comprehensively reform their educational systems.
Massachusetts' application emphasized four goals: providing all students with a more personalized educational experience; developing and retaining an effective, diverse and culturally competent educator work force; concentrating high-quality instruction, additional supports for students and families, and tools for educators in the lowest-performing schools; and increasing the readiness of all students for college and careers.
According to governor's office, a team of five people from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be going to Washington, D.C., the week of March 15 for an in-person interview with federal officials, and final award notifications are expected to be made the first week in April. If selected, Massachusetts could receive as much as $287 million in federal funding for education reform over the next four years.
"This is very exciting news, but this is only the first hurdle we have to cross," said Gov. Deval Patrick in a statement. "I am extremely proud of our proposal, and for the sake of our school kids we need to keep fighting for it."
U.S. Sen. John Kerry and the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation sent a letter of support to Education Secretary Arne Duncan earlier this year.
"I'm thrilled to see education reform in Massachusetts acknowledged nationally as a trail-blazer and success. Massachusetts is working to close achievement gaps and ensure that every single student receives a world-class public education," said Kerry in a statement. "Our entire congressional delegation pulled together with the governor and the Legislature to advance Massachusetts' case and we hope to see our state win the Race to the Top."
The Race to the Top competition is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Some 40 states and the District of Columbia submitted proposals for
Statewide, leadership teams in more than 250 districts and charter schools, more than two-thirds of the state, agreed to implement the initiatives outlined in the state's RTTT application. In all, these Local Education Agencies represent 72 percent of K-12 students across the commonwealth and 86 percent of the state's low-income students.
To be eligible, states had to demonstrate that they advanced reforms around four specific 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.
Turning around their lowest-achieving schools.
The other first-round finalists are Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The state's entire application proposal is available here
