CEC Policy Insider

States Ready to Apply for $500 Million for Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge

Just minutes after an earthquake shook Washington, DC, Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education and Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced the release of the final application for the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, the $500 million State-level competitive initiative which seeks to support coordinated birth through five programs to support early learning.

Race to the Top Winners Face Potential Change in Leadership with Upcoming Elections

When American’s go to the polls on Election Day (November 2nd) they will elect 435 members of the House of Representatives, 36 Senators, and 37 Governors.  Interestingly, 10 of the 12 states that won Race to the Top (RTTT) funding will host gubernatorial elections, establishing a scenario whereby a switch in political parties and leadership may mean a shift in education reform philosophy and could, potentially impact implementation of approved Race to the Top grants. 

Delaware, Tennessee Awarded Race to the Top Grants to Implement Education Reforms

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced Delaware and Tennessee as the first states to receive Race to the Top grants.  As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the $4 billion Race to the Top program (RTTT) seeks to provide states with funding to implement education reforms in four key areas:
•       Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;
•       Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals how to
improve instruction;
•       Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most; and
•       Turning around their lowest-performing schools.

16 States Make First Cut in $4 Billion Race to the Top Competition

On March 4, the U.S. Department of Education announced that 16 states are finalists in the first phase of the Race to the Top competition, the $4 billion initiative to implement education reforms.  The finalists are: Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Highlight Your School’s Progress for Students with Disabilities and Gifts and Talents!

Last week, the White House announced the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. High schools across the nation can compete to host the President as their graduation commencement speaker. At the beginning of the school year, the President encouraged students across the country to take responsibility for their education, study hard and graduate from high school.  The Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge encourages schools to show how they are making great strides on personal responsibility, academic excellence and college readiness.