Key Issue: Race to the Top
What is Race to the Top?
Race to the Top (RTTT) is a $4.35 billion dollar education reform program enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The U.S. Department of Education will award RTTT grants to states through a competitive application process. RTTT awards will be made in two rounds, with the first set of awards in April 2010 and the second set of awards in September 2010. A limited number of states (perhaps 10 in each round) are expected to receive awards. All interested states must submit their applications for the first round by January 19, 2010. If a state does not apply, it will not receive any RTTT funding.
Pennsylvania intends to apply for the first round of RTTT funds. The decision to apply for RTTT funding may affect local associations.
March 4, 2010: Pennsylvania was announced as a finalist for RTTT funds. PSEA President Jim Testerman released public comments on the announcement
Member Resources
PSEA will provide answers to address some of the questions that have been raised regarding the RTTT grant program. PSEA will circulate additional details on RTTT and its ramifications as more information becomes available. In the meantime, it is critical that you are aware of RTTT efforts in your area.
On August 28, the Pennsylvania State Education Association submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education regarding regulations for Race to the Top, a $4.3 billion grant intended to reward innovation in education. Below is the text of PSEA's letter accompanying the comments.
PSEA Comments
Getting on the Right Track: Using Race to the Top funds to support research-based reforms
For more information on the RTTT guidelines and application, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html.