On March 29, 2010, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed legislation (Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6696) to help Washington win a $250 million federal Race to the Top (R2T).

Now, Gov. Chris Gregoire, Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn and State Board of Education Chair Jeff Vincent are asking all 295 school districts to sign participation agreements in support of Washington’s R2T application by May 17th. View the appeal letter sent to school districts.

About Race to the Top

R2T is the Obama administration’s $4.3 billion competitive grant program to encourage states to reform and innovate their public schools.

In round one of R2T, Delaware and Tennessee won $100 million and $500 million respectively. Washington did not apply in round one, but is expected to submit an application in round two due June 1.

In our pursuit for R2T, Washington will make changes that will help ensure every child is ready for college, work and life. We must make progress in four education reform areas:

• standards and assessments;
• improving teacher effectiveness and achieving equity in teacher distribution;
• improving collection and use of data; and
• supporting struggling schools.