$4 Billion for Good Educators

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has set up “Race to the Top,” a $4 billion grant program for states committed to education reform. Duncan put his money where his mouth is, taking a strong stance on actual reform by requiring states to not only apply for the money but to also show they are serious—by forcing those states to implement ways to measure performance outcomes. States are also required to work with local teachers’ unions on performance accountability, among other measures. Delaware and Tennessee were the first to receive their rewards—$100 million and $500 million, respectively. Other states were scrambling to negotiate with unions, pass legislation, and get their applications in by the June 1 deadline.