Comments on: If state fails, districts can chase Race to the Top http://toped.svefoundation.org/2010/01/19/if-state-fails-districts-can-chase-race-to-the-top/ Analysis, opinion and ruminations on California education policy Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:45:40 +0100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Suz http://toped.svefoundation.org/2010/01/19/if-state-fails-districts-can-chase-race-to-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-4785 Suz Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:05:41 +0000 http://educatedguess.org/blog/?p=1069#comment-4785 Richard, The original premise of RT3 was to reward states demonstrating a commitment to education and to provide additional funds for innovative practices already underway. It has morphed into a prescription for reform and a carrot to get states on-board that agenda. But it is still a competitive process meant to reward those already on the train. California has great standards, but as the math results in a newer post indicate, achievement is spotty. All California has done in terms of RT3 reforms is pass legislation packed with promises. My bet is that - even with political clout on the hill - we'll be passed over on the first round. Especially if our governor seeks a maintenance of effort waiver. As for charters and districts being equal, I beg to differ. Yes, charters are public schools, but they are *individual* schools and fall under the oversight of boards of education. If you want to level that playing field, then my kids' high school should be able to apply directly for the new funds. Richard,
The original premise of RT3 was to reward states demonstrating a commitment to education and to provide additional funds for innovative practices already underway. It has morphed into a prescription for reform and a carrot to get states on-board that agenda. But it is still a competitive process meant to reward those already on the train. California has great standards, but as the math results in a newer post indicate, achievement is spotty. All California has done in terms of RT3 reforms is pass legislation packed with promises. My bet is that – even with political clout on the hill – we’ll be passed over on the first round. Especially if our governor seeks a maintenance of effort waiver.

As for charters and districts being equal, I beg to differ. Yes, charters are public schools, but they are *individual* schools and fall under the oversight of boards of education. If you want to level that playing field, then my kids’ high school should be able to apply directly for the new funds.

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]]> By: Richard http://toped.svefoundation.org/2010/01/19/if-state-fails-districts-can-chase-race-to-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-4773 Richard Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:11:03 +0000 http://educatedguess.org/blog/?p=1069#comment-4773 I wouldn't bet against CA receiving RTTT funding given that we already have high standards (but always leaving room for improvement). Further, with a democratic administration and Congress, one can't count out politics playing into allocations, with primarily democratic states like CA being in favor. I, for one, would like to know what rationale the "handicappers" are using to count CA out. Finally, I hope that not just districts, but also charter schools are eligible to compete for second round funding. All publicly funded schools should be considered equally for federal funding. I wouldn’t bet against CA receiving RTTT funding given that we already have high standards (but always leaving room for improvement).

Further, with a democratic administration and Congress, one can’t count out politics playing into allocations, with primarily democratic states like CA being in favor. I, for one, would like to know what rationale the “handicappers” are using to count CA out.

Finally, I hope that not just districts, but also charter schools are eligible to compete for second round funding. All publicly funded schools should be considered equally for federal funding.

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]]> By: Suz http://toped.svefoundation.org/2010/01/19/if-state-fails-districts-can-chase-race-to-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-4762 Suz Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:02:29 +0000 http://educatedguess.org/blog/?p=1069#comment-4762 These reforms are useful and I do hope our district applies for the new RTTT funds. But our district is struggling to preserve basic program offerings for 2010/11. If the Dept of Ed really wants districts to innovate, the best way to support that financially would be to pay for mandated programs like special education services. Our district's encroachment exceeds the amount that must be cut from the general fund by 50%. I would like to see an expectation for innovation coupled with full funding for mandated programs. These reforms are useful and I do hope our district applies for the new RTTT funds. But our district is struggling to preserve basic program offerings for 2010/11. If the Dept of Ed really wants districts to innovate, the best way to support that financially would be to pay for mandated programs like special education services. Our district’s encroachment exceeds the amount that must be cut from the general fund by 50%. I would like to see an expectation for innovation coupled with full funding for mandated programs.

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