Washington, DC–The District of Columbia was credited for its significant school reforms, upward trajectory and policy changes implemented under Race to the Top (RttT), according to Race to the Top: What Have We Learned from the States So far?, a national report released today by the Center for American progress (CAP) evaluating selected states currently receiving Race to the Top funding from the US Department of Education.
The report also cited the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for ‘Meeting Expectations’ as well as for administering Race to the Top initiatives throughout participating District schools. OSSE was especially lauded for supporting districts in developing new teacher-and leader-evaluation systems, implementing common core standards and creating a common, teacher value-added growth model utilized by both RttT participating charter schools and traditional public schools in their teacher evaluation systems.
“Today’s report validates the investment OSSE has committed on behalf of students, schools, teachers and administrators throughout the District of Columbia,” said State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley. “Race to the Top is a critical asset toward student’s success and these measures are a great sign of the progress we have made to date.”
Under Race to the Top, Washington, DC was awarded $75 million over four years and reached 90 percent of the District’s K-12 population while directly impacting nearly 59,000 students and 200 schools in the District of Columbia. A leading authority in education, government and foundation grants management was also recently brought on board as Race to the Top Director to stabilize program operations and provide leadership for Race to the Top grant initiatives.
Additionally, OSSE hired an expert Data Director to oversee longitudinal and comparative metrics while creating new data tools, while Race to the Top was integrated into OSSE’s Elementary and Secondary Division to expand program capacity and ensure the program’s sustainability after the four-year RttT grant period has ended.
“We look forward to the positive impact Race to the Top will continue having on District students, teachers, and families,” Added Mahaley.
“While we still have work to do, I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish and believe Race to the Top is only the beginning of even bigger things to come.”
Editor’s Note: A full version of the Center for American Progress’ Report: Race to the Top: What Have We Learned from the States So far?, is available for download below.
