Tennessee’s nearly $501 million Race to the Top budget has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education, launching the beginning of a multiyear effort to reform the state’s 136 school districts.
“I appreciate the Obama administration’s quick approval of our plan, which will allow us to move forward in implementing our reform efforts statewide,” Gov. Phil Bredesen said. “Receiving this approval clears the way for local school districts to begin working on the dramatic improvements they have outlined in their individual budget plans.”
Federal officials also approved individual school district budgets and plans for school turnaround that will include:
* Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;
* Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals how to improve instruction;