A Walker County educator is worried school systems could trade local control for a possible chunk of the $400 million in federal Race for the Top competitive grant program eyed in Georgia.
Jim Barrett, president of the Walker Education Association and eighth-grade teacher at LaFayette Middle School, said his school district made “tremendous strides” over the last three years thanks to strong local leadership and decision-making.
Improvements that moved “at an unbelievable pace” were the result of “a superintendent and a school board that was able to assess and diagnose and properly treat local issues in education in such a way that it turned us around,” Mr. Barrett said. “Local schools know what is best for local schools.”
Educators’ concern about Race to the Top arises from a lack of information, said state Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette.
RACE TO THE TOPThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides $4.35 billion for the federal Race to the Top competitive grant program with the intent of encouraging and rewarding education innovation and reform. Applicant states must seek to improve results for students, long-term gains in school and school system capacity and increase productivity and effectiveness.Source: U.S. Department of EducationKEY DATES* Jan. 19: Phase 1 applications due* April: Phase 1 awards announced* June 1: Phase 2 applications due* September: Phase 2 awards announcedSource: U.S. Department of Education