Race To The Top (RTTT)

RTTT is the federal government's $4.35B stimulus program directed to education. This is a very significant financial incentive for states to participate in school improvement activities. The $4.35B program doubles the U.S. Department of Education's annual budget for the four year implementation period.

It appears 10-15 states will be awarded the funds. Minnesota is up for approximately $200M. Delano could be eligible for approximately $548,000 over the four year implementation period. All of this is contingent on Minnesota's application to the U.S. Department of Education being approved.

Delano Schools is submitting an MOA indicating our interest in participating.

There are four components to RTTT. 1) Standards and Assessments - adopting internationally benchmarked standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace; 2) Data Systems to Support Instruction - building data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals how they can improve their practices; 3) Great Teachers and Leaders - recruiting, developing, retaining, and rewarding effective teachers and principals; and 4) Turning Around Struggling Schools - which doesn't apply to Delano.

To be eligible for RTTT funds Minnesota schools must participate in the state's Quality Compensation (QComp) Program. Delano has been involved in QComp for the past three years.

We see RTTT as another tool to assist us in meeting our vision statement: Educational Excellence is our Foremost Goal, and look forward to Minnesota's successful grant application.