Recent Event Highlights: Race to the Top grant plans approved, State of the Union mystery: What do Obama's Race to the Top plans mean?, President Obama is Staying the Course in Education, Ohio keeps race to top education grant, Scutari on Race to the Top Funding, 093010.mov, Race to the Top Grant Helps Ohio Improve Education, and 40 more...
Created by dipity on Feb 7, 2011
Last updated: 02/07/11 at 06:07 PM
Race To The Top Education has no followers yet. Be the first one to follow.
Excerpt
The U.S. Department of Education has signed off on detailed plans by 26 Georgia school districts, including DeKalb and Gwinnett in metro Atlanta, for using federal Race to the Top money to improve their local schools, officials announced Monday.
Source Info
Atlanta Journal Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/news/race-to-the-top-830523.html
Excerpt
But the President seems to be detached from those truths. He followed those statements with a plug for his education initiative, Race to the Top. That program is a heavy-handed, top-down effort that makes states, school districts, schools and teachers r
Source Info
The Hill
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/education/141403-race-to-the-top-takes-away-parental-control
Excerpt
Educational policy rhetoric has shifted from “No Child Left Behind” to “Race to the Top.” The new packaging still employs a hefty bureaucratic structure focused on standardized testing, but makes more of the effect of teachers on student learning. Pres
Source Info
Catholic Exchange
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catholicex/~3/NwdKM0o4nNo/
Excerpt
Education held a prominent place in President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, as he called for a re-commitment to "investing in better research and education" to meet “our generation’s Sputnik moment.”
Obama declared, "To win the futur
Source Info
Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2011/0126/State-of-the-Union-mystery-What-do-Obama-s-Race-to-the-Top-plans-mean
Excerpt
Was Race to the Top “the most meaningful reform of our public schools in a generation” as the president said in his speech? It is far too soon to tally the results in terms of student achievement, but there is no doubt that it was the largest expansion o
Source Info
Brookings Institution
http://webfeeds.brookings.edu/~r/BrookingsRSS/topfeeds/LatestFromBrookings/~3/cV5Fs5dh5sc/0125_sotu_education_whitehurst.aspx
Ohio's incoming governor says he's been told by the Obama administration that the state won't be losing out on a $400 million federal education grant. There has been concern raised in recent weeks that Ohio could lose the Race to the Top money if Republican Gov.-elect John Kasich scraps the state's education funding plan supported by outgoing Gov. Ted Strickland. Kasich said Tuesday that he's talked with US Education Secretary Arne Duncan about the issue. He says Duncan assured him that Ohio will get the money as long as its education plan includes accountability for student performance.
In this video, New Jersey Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, speaks on the floor of the Senate about the reluctance of some in the New Jersey Senate Republican Caucus to investigate a mistake by Governor Chris Christie and his Administration which caused the State to lose out on $400 million in federal Race to the Top Funding.
Learn how Ohio State participated in the development of the Race to the Top grant proposal and is helping to accelerate academic improvement and transform the schools in our state.
"...Vocationalization of the curriculum is beginning in first grade. ...The right-wing foundations -- including the Gates Foundation -- they are absolutely driving this. They're funding it. They're funding the media campaign to persuade people that this is necessary. And they are funding the research." Lois Weiner, professor of education at New Jersey City University, interviewed on Democracy Now, 3 Sept 2010 www.democracynow.org ********************************
"...What's really going on is a vocationalization of education, a watering down of curriculum for most kids, so that they're going to take jobs that require only a 7th or an 8th grade education, because those are the jobs that are being created in this economy." Lois Weiner, professor of education at New Jersey City University, interviewed on Democracy Now, 3 Sept 2010 www.democracynow.org *********************************
Governor Christie gives his comments on NJ's loss of federal aid because of a simple error in their report to Dept. of Education
"The US Department of Education has selected 10 winners to share $3.4 billion as money awarded in its ""Race to the Top"" competition. The 10 winners -- DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Rhode Island -- will receive funds to implement certain overhauls, such as greater teacher accountability and the use of data systems. 46 states and DC applied for funds during the 2 competition rounds. The money offered under the program accounts for less than 1% of all K-12 educational spending, but extra cash was incentive enough for at least 23 states to overhaul education policies. Only Alaska, Texas, Vermont and North Dakota sat out of the competition. US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to make a formal announcement about the winners later today."
Secretary Duncan announces the winners of Race to the Top Round 2.
Erin O'Hara, Education Policy Advisor for the Governor's Office, talks about the recent grant of $500 million to Tennessee for education reform.
The Maryland State Department of Education in June submitted its detailed application for the federal government's Race to the Top program. This video provides a brief description of Maryland's bold proposal aimed at further strengthening the State's number one-ranked system of public schools.
The Maryland State Education Association held a press conference on June 16 to discuss Maryland's Race to the Top application. "We need to be certain that evaluation systems take into account all of the academic, social and personal factors that impact student achievement," said MSEA President Clara Floyd.
Panelists discuss the North Carolina effort to win the federal Race to the Top competitive educational grant.
Chris Gregoire, State Superintendent Randy Dorn and State Board of Education member Mary Jean Ryan announced that Washington state has officially submitted its Race to the Top application to the US Department of Education during a press conference at Nisqually Middle School. Race to the Top grants will go to states that are leading the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive education reform. Read more here: www.governor.wa.gov
Governor Chris Christie talks about Education Reform Agenda and being in Step with the Obama Administration on Student Performance and Teacher Evaluation during a press conference in West Trenton, NJ on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. (Governor's Office / Tim Larsen)
One of these six high schools will be visited by President Obama to deliver their commencement address this spring. From April 26th through April 29th, 2010, you can review and rate each school at whitehouse.gov and help the President make his selection.
On April 19th, 2010 Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty revealed an education reform bill meant to improve Minnesota's education system and ensure its spot as a serious contender in round two of Race to the Top The bill includes major areas of reform:1. Teacher Quality and Effectiveness2. Alternative Pathways to Teacher Licensure3. Tiered Licensure for Teachers and Principals4. Statewide Teacher and Principal Evaluation System and Enhanced Q Comp5. Professional Development and Continuing Tenure for Teachers and Principals6. Authority to Intervene in Persistently Low Performing Schools7. Allow Successful Charter Schools to Open Additional SitesThe Governor was intentional in pointing out that many of these areas of reform have been introduced by him to the legislature in the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions as well as pointing out that many of these measures have been adopted by Democratic governors in states such as Delaware. This was done perhaps in an attempt to woo unions and legislative democrats that may have issues with reform ideas."Minnesota's first round Race to the Top application received good marks for our charter school environment, strong standards and assessments and Q Comp performance pay for teachers system, and our focus on...science, technology, engineering and math subjects". "The federal reviewers docked Minnesota's application for failing to have alternative pathways to teacher licensure, not strongly linking student achievement to teacher evaluations ...
During a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Sen. Landrieu pressed Education Secretary Arne Duncan on the requirements necessary to qualify for federal Race to the Top funds. April 14, 2010.
This is the second video of my speech to the Macon County Tea Party Patriots over Race to the Top funding in Missouri. I am completely opposed to Missouri pursuing this grant for numerous reasons. The number one reason is because the current Secretary of Education is a complete fraud and embarrassment to education. He has never taught a day in his life, never been a principal a day in his life, and has no degree in education. This man is dangerous and the current Commissioner of Education in Missouri, Dr. Chris Nicastro, just seems to want to ignore that fact. Race to the Top is not about helping kids or improving education, it is about more control at the Federal level for education in America. Dr. Nicastro and Arne Duncan must be stopped.
Delaware, one of 16 state finalists in Phase 1 of Race to the Top, made a presentation on its application to peer reviewers on March 16-17, 2010.
Ohio, one of 16 state finalists in Phase 1 of Race to the Top, responded to questions from peer reviewers regarding its application on March 16-17, 2010.
Governor Tim Pawlenty talks about why Minnesota didn't get federal "race to the top" funding. Pawlenty continues to blame teachers unions and says if the state does not make needed changes he will not apply for the next round of funding.Twitter log08:11:47;00 Pawlenty:Obama focusing on education =Nixon going to China. Doesn't say who the "communists" are in this. #mnleg 08:12:40;00 We are live streaming Governor Tim Pawlenty talking about MN failure to get "Race to the top" education funding. watch www.theuptake.org 08:14:31;00 Pawlenty says if MN doesn't change some things in education, he won't apply for next round of "Race to the top" funding. #mnleg 08:15:56;00 Pawlenty citing failures Fed pointed out in MN education system. Watch live at www.theuptake.org #mnleg 08:17:46;00 Gov Pawlenty says teacher pay needs to be tied to student performance. Says his "Q-comp" program ineffective because watered down #mnleg 08:19:31;00 Gov Pawlenty: MN lost race to the top pts. for not having clear authority to intervene in low performing schools. #mnleg 08:20:28;00 Gov Pawlenty: MN lost race to top funding pts. because it did not have teachers' union support. #mnleg 08:22:05;00 Gov. Pawlenty endorses Obama's and Sec. Duncan's "roadmap" for education change. #mnleg 08:24:15;00 Gov Pawlenty: Calls MN education laws and rules "backward leaning". #mnleg 08:27:02;00 Commissioner Seagren: NCLB will seem like a leisurely walk on a Sunday compared to RTTT #mnleg 08:27:35;00 MN Educ ...
North Carolina, one of 16 state finalists in Phase 1 of Race to the Top, made a presentation on its application to peer reviewers on March 16-17, 2010.
New York, one of 16 state finalists in Phase 1 of Race to the Top, responded to questions from peer reviewers regarding its application on March 16-17, 2010.
Wisconsin's Race to the Top application with the US Department of Education claims there are no enrollment caps for charter schools. However the Wisconsin State Statutes say something different.
Race to the Top is unlike any education reform effort in US history. Take a look back at the last 40 years of school reforms. Follow the series here: bit.ly
Tennessee achieved a milestone on the road to statewide excellence in K-12 education Monday, March 29. Officials announced that the state is one of only two, out of 41 applicants, to receive a first-round Race to the Top federal education grant. The $500 million will be distributed to schools across the state over the next four years. Governor Phil Bredesen and ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber have long worked to align the goals of Tennessee's education system, from pre-K through lifelong learning, with the future workforce needs of companies across the state. The receipt of the Race to the Top grant is an affirmation of those multifaceted efforts and promises to positively impact Tennessee's business climate, beginning immediately and for decades to come.
On March 17, 2010, Congressman Joe Courtney express his concerns about the Administration's 'Race to the Top' initiative as proposed. During an Education and Labor Committee hearing, Congressman Courtney addressed his concerns to Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
I-Poly High School, located on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona University, is an innovative public college prep school, centering on Project-Based-Learning. Students work in teams on major projects, tied into core classes, which allow them to master skills in time management, interpersonal communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, and personal accountability. Early college enrollment is encouraged at I-Poly. Over 40% of I-Poly students take college classes while in high school. I-Poly averages a 99% graduation rate, and 94% move on to college immediately after graduating- half of which will be first-generation college students. Recently named a California Distinguished School, I-Poly serves 500 students, representing four surrounding counties and over 40 cities. It is run by Los Angeles County Office of Education. www.lacoe.edu/i-poly
President Obama and the Secretary of Education are allotting cash-strapped states more funds than ever in a competitive effort to raise learning standards. Ben Tracy reports.
California's educational system faces numerous challenges. This video excerpt features two California legislators -- State Assembly member Ira Ruskin and State Senator Joe Simitian -- who talk about the challenges facing the state's public education system and its higher education system. They discuss why the state applied for federal Race to the Top funding to fund education reforms in the public education system and why the legislature is examining the Master Plan for higher education. To find out more information about the complete one hour discussion of this topic go to www.epatoday.org, the website for the East Palo Alto Today website. You can see other Talking with Henrietta video excerpts at www.youtube.com
California's Race to the Top reforms enact real change by making adults accountable and empowering parents to access quality public schools.
Texas Governor Rick Perry is calling the Obama's administration's education program a federal attempt to take over local education. Race to the Top is offering states billions of dollars for schools if they adopt federal testing standards. Perry is rejecting the program outright and he is advising local school districts in Texas not to take the money either. Perry made these remarks at Ft. Sam Houston's Cole High School in San Antonio on Jan 19, 2010
Pres. Obama Remarks on Education Tuesday President Obama was joined by Education Secretary Arne Duncan during a visit to Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia where he spoke about the "Race to the Top" competition. Falls Church, VA : 6 min.
President Obama announces a proposed $1.3 billion investment in Race to the Top, a program to encourage innovation and excellence in education through competitive grants, at an event at Graham Road Elementary School in Falls Church, VA. January 19, 2010.
Ohio Superintendent Deborah Delisle talks with Ohio Coalition for Quality Education President Ron Adler about the US Department of Education's competition among states for a $4.35 billion state incentive called "Race to the Top" . The Race to the Top fund are designed to l help states drive substantial gains in student achievement by supporting states making dramatic progress on the four reform goals.
Rep. Kent Coleman (D-Murfreesboro) rises in opposition to Race To The Top legislation pushed by Governor Phil Bredesen (D-Tennessee) in a Special Legislative Session of 2010. Coleman points out how the General Assembly was misled by the Bredesen Administration on several issues including support from Local Education Authorities, deadlines for federal Race To The Top grants, and even the schedule for payouts of federal Race To The Top grants sought by republican leadership. He concludes by urging the Tennessee House to take more time than a few hours to make huge decisions about Tennessee's educational future.
Schools Superintendent Richard Organisciak discusses Arne Duncan, Barack Obama program "Race to the Top" with the New Rochelle Board of Education Discusses
Joanne Weiss, Director of Race to the Top, US Department of Education, discusses what Race to the Top is.
Commissioner Seagren discusses Minnesota's Race to the Top proposal, which will be available for review in December. Schools and school districts will be able to sign up through Mid January. The application is due January 19. Minnesota is well-positioned to receive federal funding due to recent education reforms. The Race to the Top Fund is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and provides competitive grants to states that are engaged in education innovation and reform. If Minnesota is awarded funds through Race to the Top, half of the money will be designated for local school districts that pledge to implement the reforms.
(Sacramento) Now that the federal government has issued its final application guidelines for the Race to the Top education grants, the Assembly Committee on Education, chaired by Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), held its fourth and final informational hearing aimed at ensuring California is competitive in the process. Assemblymember Brownley says if Californias grant application is successful the state could received between $300 and $750-million one time federal funds for schools. The money will be used to develop high academic standards and highly-skilled teachers, help turn around struggling schools and facilitate the use of data to inform instruction. The committee is expected to vote on legislation on December 9th and an Assembly floor vote is expected shortly thereafter.
(Los Angeles) Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica), chair of the Assembly Education Committee, says the timetable for hearings on the Race to the Top education grants has been accelerated in order to insure California stays in the race for millions of dollars in federal education funding. A final committee hearing, and possibly a floor vote, on Race to the Top legislation is currently scheduled in December. During a recent Assembly Education Committee hearing in Los Angeles, Assemblymember Brownley said she believes the federal funding is crucial, especially now with the states finances in bad shape. Heres more in this Assembly Access video.
At the September 16 Joint Education Committee hearing State Senator Scott Rupp questioned Dr. Chris Nicastro on Missouri's progress in applying for the $4.35 billion Race to the Top program. This federal competitive grant program will be awarded to states passing education reforms that are proven to work. Dr. Nicastro surprised the committee by stating that Missouri would not be applying for the first half of the program. She also stated that our application would only be 'moderately competitive" once applying for the second half, but did not see any legislative changes that were needed.
(Sacramento) - The California State Assemblys Education Committee (5th Extraordinary Session) has begun a series of hearings on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts Race to the Top competitive grant program. Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), who sits on the Committee, says its not only important to make sure California receives its allotment of the education related stimulus funds but says its also crucial the money is spent wisely. After spending nearly 20 years on the San Ramon Valley School Board, Assemblymember Buchanan says she understands the importance of making sure the programs we implement are consistent with the states long term effort to improve student achievement. Learn more in this Assembly Web Report.
Governor Schwarzenegger joined US Education Secretary Arne Duncan at a back-to-school youth rally hosted by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to emphasize the importance of ensuring all California students have access to a world-class education.
Senator Gloria Romero (D- East Los Angeles), Chair of the Senate Education Committee, opens a public hearing to determine whether California is prepared to compete for federal Race to the Top education reform funding and what legislation may be necessary to ensure the states eligibility.
Update Sources