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Education

April 2010
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Round 1 of the Race to the Top had only two winners, Delaware and Tennessee. But states that did not win can adjust their applications and reapply for Round 2 funding. Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), The Education Equality Project (EEP) and Education Reform Now have gone through each finalist's application to analyze how it might score higher in Round 2. You can check out their state-by-state analysis here.

 

The co-chairs of the Education Equality Project recently wrote an Op-Ed in the Washington Post about why RT3 and similar school reform efforts are so important even in the context of the significant challenges facing our children outside of school. "Plenty of evidence demonstrates that schools can make an enormous difference despite the challenges presented by poverty and family background," they write.

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Teacher Effectiveness continues to be at the heart of efforts to address the nation's achievement gaps. In DC, the Congress is gearing up to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as NCLB). You can read the administration's blueprint for the law here. Also, CAP's Robin Chait has released a memo discussing ways the appropriations process could impact the teacher effectiveness landscape even if ESEA doesn't get reauthorized this year.

 

One of the most watched local collective bargaining processes is approaching its conclusion. DC Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee and Washington Teachers Union President George Parker have released a tentative contract agreement. The new contract retains teacher tenure and includes a performance pay program funded by private foundations. You can read more about the new contract here.

 

Tennessee and Delaware, first round winners of Race to the Top funding, promise to be important places to watch with regard to teacher effectiveness. Both have pledged to make significant changes to state teacher evaluation systems. You can read analysis about the other applicants and the process for the second round from The New Teacher Project.