Florida is among 15 states advancing as a finalists for phase 1 of the Race to the Top Competition, the Department of Education announced today. Race to the Top is the Department’s $4.4 billion effort to dramatically re-shape America’s educational system to better engage and prepare students for success in a competitive 21st century economy and workplace.
Earlier, President Obama requested $1.35 billion for the Race to the Top program in fiscal year 2011 budget.
States competing for Race to the Top funds were asked to document past education reform successes, as well as outline plans to: extend reforms using college and career-ready standards and assessments; build a workforce of highly effective educators; create educational data systems to support student achievement; and turn around their lowest-performing schools.
The 16 finalists were chosen from among the 40 states and the District of Columbia that submitted applications for phase 1. Winners for phase 1 will be chosen from among the 16 finalists and announced in April.
