Race to the Top Funds Available for Districts

The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that the next round of “Race to the Top,” applications is underway. This time funds will be awarded to districts, not just states. The deadline to apply is October, and districts can receive anywhere from $5 million to $40 million dollars.

The grant application requires districts to outline a three-year plan with specific ways they will close the achievement gap, prepare students for college and careers, and most importantly how they will personalize education.

U.S. DOE Secretary Arne Duncan explained that the competition for districts is “aimed squarely at the classroom level and the all-important relationship among teachers and students,” Duncan said.

Effective teacher evaluation systems must also be in the plan to be considered for the funding. A total of $400 million has been set aside to fund up to 25 grants.

Click here for the full article from Huffington Post.

Click here for Race to the Top application information.