On June 1, 2010, Washington state submitted its application for federal Race to the Top funds. If awarded, Washington will receive $250 million.

The money is the largest ever federal competitive investment in school reform. It will reward states for past accomplishments and create incentives for future improvements. The funding criteria that the U.S. Department of Education proposes to use will challenge states to create comprehensive strategies for addressing the four central areas of reform that will drive school improvement:

1. Adopt standards and assessments that prepare students for success
2. Prepare, recruit, support and retain effective teachers and principals
3. Improve the use of data to inform and improve practices
4. Turn around the lowest performing schools

Race to the Top money is divided into two sections. The State Incentive Fund is for competitive grants to fund experimental school improvement programs. The Innovation Fund is for competitive grants for a local education agency OR one or more schools in partnership with a non-profit organization.

Washington’s application

As part of Washington’s application, 265 of the state’s 295 districts signed a performance agreement. Although only the superintendent was required to sign each agreement, many districts included signatures from that district’s school board, teachers union and principals association.

Winners will be announced by September 30, 2010.

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More information about Race to the Top grant opportunity:

• U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top
  For Federal Register information for CFDA 84.395A, open the link to "Notice of Proposed Priorities."
• E2SSB 6696
  This new legislation, which represents a comprehensive approach to educational reform, forms the backbone of Washington’s Race to the Top application.