U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Tuesday that 19 states remain as finalists for the $3.4 billion that are available in the second round of funding for the “Race to the Top” competition.
“Race to the Top” is a competition aimed at bolstering the education system with funding, specifically targeting schools in low-income neighborhoods.
“We have 2,000 high schools that account for half of America’s drop outs [and] those 2000 high schools also produce 75% of drop outs from our nation’s minority community,” said Duncan in a speech at the National Press Club.
Duncan said that the competition is meant to increase funding to low-income schools in order to provide them with an opportunity to host well-educated and qualified teachers.
“We’re putting $4 billion dollars behind the bottom 5% of the schools,” Duncan said. “If it takes $10,000 or $15,000 or $20,000 to get a great science teacher to work in an under served community or a disadvantage community or Indian reservation, do it.”
According to Duncan, the 19 finalists in the reform are those with the boldest plans for the future. Together, with parents around the nation, teachers can change and improve educational opportunities for today’s students and future generations.
“Every state that applied will benefit from this process of collaboratively creating a comprehensive education reform agenda,” said Duncan.
Education Secretary Says Future For Education Is Bright
By Linn Grubbstrom - Talk Radio News Service
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Tuesday that 19 states remain as finalists for the $3.4 billion that are available in the second round of funding for the “Race to the Top” competition.
“Race to the Top” is a competition aimed at bolstering the education system with funding, specifically targeting schools in low-income neighborhoods.
“We have 2,000 high schools that account for half of America’s drop outs [and] those 2000 high schools also produce 75% of drop outs from our nation’s minority community,” said Duncan in a speech at the National Press Club.
Duncan said that the competition is meant to increase funding to low-income schools in order to provide them with an opportunity to host well-educated and qualified teachers.
“We’re putting $4 billion dollars behind the bottom 5% of the schools,” Duncan said. “If it takes $10,000 or $15,000 or $20,000 to get a great science teacher to work in an under served community or a disadvantage community or Indian reservation, do it.”
According to Duncan, the 19 finalists in the reform are those with the boldest plans for the future. Together, with parents around the nation, teachers can change and improve educational opportunities for today’s students and future generations.
“Every state that applied will benefit from this process of collaboratively creating a comprehensive education reform agenda,” said Duncan.