race to the top.

last friday, presdient obama announced a new program for public schools across the nation. the prize for the winner? part of $4.35 billion in federal grant money. how does a state win? obama states the fund "will reward eligible states for past accomplishments & create incentives for future improvement." the focused areas for improvement include more rigorous academic standards, better recruitment and retention of teachers, tracking the performance of students & teachers, & turning around failing schools. the $4.35 billion is one component of the $787 billion stimulus package, enacted by the federal government in february 2009.

obviously, this initiative is met with both questions & opposition. it is understood that states that perform best will receive more funding. this seems to continue the same funding inequality that now exists with no child left behind. it would seem to augment the disparity between high and low performing schools. another of obama's initiatives, merit-based pay for teachers, will surely be met with fierce union opposition. for further information on obama's new plan, read about the race to the top fund.

[via Washington Post]