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.