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MSDE Race to the Top

 http://www.msde.maryland.gov/MSDE/programs/race_to_the_top

On August 24, 2010, Maryland was awarded one of the federal government’s coveted Race to the Top grants in the amount of $250 million over four years. The RTTT program is aimed at boosting student achievement, reducing gaps in achievement among student subgroups, turning around struggling schools, and improving the teaching profession. 

Maryland has one of the nation's most honored systems of public education, but for our State to continue to be competitive our schools must continue to improve. President Barack Obama, in announcing the $4.35 billion Race to the Top initiative last year, said the program is based on a simple principle: "whether a state is ready to do what works."  

Maryland  is not only ready, but willing and able to continue the progress that has been made. 
 
MSDE worked with our local school systems and a variety of partners to put together Maryland's winning plan.  We are determined to continue our State’s momentum.   

 

Maryland’s vision for reform is to:

 
  •  Revise the PreK-12 Maryland State Curriculum, assessments, and accountability system based on the Common Core Standards to assure that all graduates are college- and career-ready.

  •  Build a statewide technology infrastructure that links all data elements with analytic and instructional tools to monitor and promote student achievement.
  •  Redesign the model for preparation, development, retention, and evaluation of teachers and principals.
  •  Fully implement the innovative Breakthrough Center approach for transforming low-performing schools and districts.
 
Race to the Top is part of the federal government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Program.