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 awards RTTT grants to states through a competitive application process. RTTT awards will be made in two rounds. The first round of awards was announced in March 2010. Pennsylvania was not selected for the first round of RTTT grants (read PSEA President Jim Testerman's statement), but plans to apply for the second set of awards. Recipients of the second round of the awards will be announced in September 2010.

Recent News
March 29, 2010: Pennsylvania was not selected among the first round of RTTT fund recipients.

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.

• Race to the Top Frequently Asked Questions from PSEA members (Updated May 11, 2010).
   
• Advisory: PSEA Advisory on Race to the Top - Information on Phase 2 application (May 7, 2010)
   
• Powerpoint Presentation - RTTT Information and Assistance to PSEA Locals - Member login required (May 3, 2010)
   
• PDE letter to school districts regarding Pennsylvania's RTTT Phase 2 application (May 1, 2010)
   
• Race to the Top Q&A Related to the State Application and Potential Implementation (January 2010)
   
• Race to the Top communication to school districts (January 5, 2010)
  • Addendum to school district communication 
     
• PSEA Advisory: Race to the Top (Dec. 7, 2009)

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

• Executive Summary (PDF)
• Full Comments (PDF)

 For more information on the RTTT guidelines and application, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html.