Recommendations for a Bold Race to the Top Application

Yesterday, leaders from the Governor’s Office, State Board of Education and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction unveiled the state’s Race to the Top Partnership Agreement for Washington’s 295 districts. The agreement outlines the criteria necessary for districts to sign on to Washington’s Race to the Top application, as well as optional “Innovation Cluster” criteria, which will reward districts that choose to adopt stronger reforms.

While education reform legislation passed during the 2010 legislative session brought Washington to the starting line for Race to the Top, bolder reforms that distinguish our state from the rest of the nation are still needed. By signing on to participate in “Innovation Clusters” within Washington’s Race to the Top Partnership Agreement, districts can commit to implementing innovative reforms in the areas of strengthening teacher and leader development and effectiveness; closing the achievement gap; turning around low-performing schools; and improving science, technology, engineering and math performance.

Based on the recent announcement of Delaware and Tennessee as the winners of Race to the Top’s first round, it is clear that states must secure both bold reforms and broad participation in order to garner federal funding. In a press conference earlier this week, Gov. Chris Gregoire called on all 295 school districts to sign on to Washington’s application and compete for a share of the remaining $3.4 billion in the federal grant program.

School districts have until May 17 to sign and return the Partnership Agreement. The state must then finalize its application and submit it to the U.S. Department of Education by June 1. The winners in Round Two will be announced in September, and school districts will then have 90 days to submit detailed work plans.

Partnership for Learning has published a report detailing the components of a bold and competitive Race to the Top application for Washington state. To view the report, click here.

For more information on the development of Washington’s Race to the Top Application, visit the new website: www.waracetothetop.org