08/31/12Nearly 900 Districts Set to Compete for New Race to Top
Education Week (08/31/12) McNeil, MicheleAbout 893 school districts or groups of districts have filed applications for $400 million in U.S. Department of Education grants in the Race to the Top competition to spur local improvements. Nearly 200 large districts are eligible for top awards of between $30 million and $40 million, while 433 small districts plan to compete for $10 million to $20 million in awards. The "notice of intent to apply" from each of the districts allows the department to plan things ahead of time, such as how many peer reviewers are necessary to judge the competition. Applications for Race to the Top funds are due Oct. 30, and each application should include personalized learning plans that tailor teaching and learning to individual needs of students. Between 15 and 25 awards are expected, with districts from 48 states and the District of Columbia expected to apply.
