Tennessee Co-Wins Race to the Top

Tennessee education officials celebrated Monday as the state received news that it joined Delaware as one of two winners of the Obama Administration’s $4 billion ‘Race to the Top’ competition.

Tennessee will get most of what it asked for – nearly $500 million. Half of the money will go directly to local school districts, which will submit plans for the funding over the next few months. The state’s overarching goal is to turn around chronically low-performing schools and recruit, develop and reward effective teachers.

In a state that has been at the back of the pack in education, Governor Phil Bredesen calls winning Race to the Top money a watershed moment.

“I just get so tired of Tennessee being talked about always being 40-something-th when you talk about education. Well, at least in this area, which is about a willingness to undertake innovation, a willingness to move forward, we’re tied for number one.”

To position for the Race to the Top money, Governor Phil Bredesen proposed a slate of changes to education law in January’s special session of the legislature. He found bi-partisan support from lawmakers and also got commitments from the Democrats and Republicans campaigning to replace him. They signed letters that, if elected, they would continue the education reforms outlined in the application.

The Tennessee Education Association took more convincing, but Bredesen says the teachers union eventually came around.

“Having that support was crucial to making this all happen. I particularly want to thank the TEA. I know how difficult this process was for them.”

Tennessee will get nearly all of the money it asked for – $500 million. Half will go directly to local school districts. The rest will fund program outlined in the state’s application, including a so-called “Achievement School District” which is supposed to take over chronically failing schools around the state.

Local Districts Will Get Half Race to the Top Money

Metro Schools director Jesse Register says professional development will be the focus for Nashville’s share of the money. He says good teachers and principals will always make a good educational experience.

“This money will go away at some point in time, but we know it can be lasting if we invest in people.”

In the next 90 days, local school districts will have to submit their own proposals for how they’ll use the funding, and the money can’t plug holes left by budget cuts.

The $500 million dollars will be spread out over the next four years. Delaware will receive $100 million. Forty states and the District of Columbia applied for Race to the Top money and will get a chance to reapply.