Race to the Top

Race to the Top. It was a competitive grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 under the administration of President Barack Obama. Administered by the United States Department of Education under Secretary Arne Duncan, the initiative aimed to spur innovation and reform in K–12 education. The program distributed $4.35 billion to states that proposed ambitious plans across four key assurance areas.

Overview

The program was a centerpiece of the Obama administration's education agenda, seeking to use federal funds to leverage state-level policy changes. It was influenced by earlier reform efforts like the No Child Left Behind Act and emphasized standards, data, and accountability. Key priorities included the adoption of rigorous academic standards, such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative, and the creation of longitudinal data systems to track student achievement. The initiative marked a significant shift toward competitive, incentive-based federal funding in contrast to traditional formula-based grants.

Competition design and phases

The competition was structured in two main phases, with states submitting comprehensive applications outlining their reform plans. An expert panel reviewed applications based on a 500-point scoring rubric focused on the four core areas: standards and assessments, data systems, great teachers and leaders, and turning around struggling schools. Phase 1 winners, including Delaware and Tennessee, were announced in March 2010, with Phase 2 awards following later that year to states like Florida, Georgia, and Hawaii. A subsequent Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge and a district-level competition were also launched, awarding funds to entities like the Los Angeles Unified School District.

State applications and awards

States formed broad coalitions, often including governors like Chris Christie of New Jersey and Andrew Cuomo of New York, to develop their applications. Winning states, such as Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Ohio, received awards ranging from $75 million to $700 million. Notable non-winners included Colorado, which placed high but did not secure funds in the initial phases. The application process required commitments from local education agencies and teachers' unions, leading to significant political negotiations in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Impact and analysis

The program accelerated the adoption of the Common Core State Standards across numerous states, including Kentucky and Maryland. It also promoted changes in teacher evaluation systems, linking them to student growth data in states like Indiana and Washington, D.C.. Analyses by organizations like the Center for American Progress and the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found mixed results on student outcomes, with some studies noting implementation challenges. Critics, including the National Education Association, argued it encouraged excessive testing and undermined local control.

Legacy and subsequent programs

Its emphasis on competition and standards influenced later federal initiatives, including the Every Student Succeeds Act which succeeded the No Child Left Behind Act. The program's model was echoed in grant competitions like Investing in Innovation and the School Improvement Grants program. Key figures involved, such as John B. King Jr., who later served as United States Secretary of Education, continued to champion its reform principles. The focus on early childhood education persisted through programs administered by the Administration for Children and Families.

Category:United States federal education legislation Category:Barack Obama administration programs Category:2009 in American education