(Washington, DC) - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, State Superintendent Kerri Briggs, and State Board of Education President Ted Trabue today announced DC’s application will move forward in Phase 2 of President Obama’s Race to the Top Fund.  Of the 36 states that applied, only 19 will interview as finalists.  Two states, Tennessee and Delaware, were awarded grants in Phase I.

“Our first application proved that DC is where reforms are taking place and taking hold,” stated Mayor Fenty.  “Our commitment to the students of DC shines through in this second application and we are excited to share the improvements when interviewed by the Department.”

DC’s Phase 2 proposal builds on the high Phase 1 scores we received for: our standards and assessment; our school turnaround efforts; and the overall conditions for education reform found in the District.  DC strengthened our focus around science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and included a more thorough explanation of our ability to collect and use data to increase student achievement for this second application.

“This comprehensive plan to help our city’s schools will continue the reforms already in place,” said State Superintendent Briggs.  “We’re pleased and optimistic about being named a finalist.”

DC will send an interview team to meet with the U.S. Department of Education in August to discuss our application.  Complete logistics for the interview process will be shared by the Department.  

"To move forward in the competition is great news for DC," said State Board President Ted Trabue.  "It is a huge honor, which we hope will result in additional funding for DC’s schools."

The US Department of Education is expected to announce which states are selected for funding in August or September 2010.