2012 Education Report: A Year in Review (The Good)

A few weeks ago I discussed last year's Newtown, Connecticut tragedy as an example of the problems that schools in America are facing. Terrorism toward school children is an issue that must be discussed. I can only hope that in the future communities, state governments, and Capitol Hill will be able to come together in order to create policies that will prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

Today I will focus on a policy that has been in place for almost four years. Though controversial, I believe that Race to the Top (RTT) has wholly benefited American public education.

What Is Race to the Top?

Race to the Top is a federal initiative that offers financial incentives to states that are working towards education reform and academic improvement by doing the following:

• Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy
• Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teacher and principals about how they can improve instruction
• Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals
• Turning around our lowest-achieving schools

True to its title, RTT is a country-wide competition that is based on systematic improvement. While some states, such as Texas, have vehemently refused to participate in the program, other states are scrambling to make the necessary changes to even qualify for funding. The program's funding is based on a point system. Whichever states rack in the most points are awarded large sums of money that are to be used for further improvements. For a grand total of 485 points (15 point bonus if the state has a STEM initiative) a state must display: Great Teachers and Leaders (138 points), Standards and Assessments (70 points), and Data Systems to Support Instruction (47 points) among other criteria. 

Who benefits from Race to the Top?

Everyone! One and a half million hard-working teachers and principals who strive to perfect their craft are being celebrated in 19 states. Twenty-two million students are currently benefiting from the extra funds being pumped into their schools. 

How much does Race to the Top cost?

To date Race to the Top has devoted over four billion dollars to states who earned the most points. Currently the program is being supported by tax dollars.

What changed in 2012?

During 2012 President Obama made the RTTT program even more innovative by introducing Race to the Top- District competition. This program has invested nearly $400 million in schools to enhance student experiences in school. The program aims to push students to pursure their intrests while taking the wheel for their own success.  Personalization is the name of the game for many schools. In addition to the initiatives mentioned above, schools must facilitate a community atmosphere in order to foster healthy student-teacher relationships.

What can America look forward to in 2013?
 

If anything, RTTT has shown that teachers must be evaluated based on their students' performance. While this seems fair in theory, assessing teachers may interfere with valuable classroom time. Teacher evaluations in public schools are also problematic because not all subjects can be tested. How, for example, can one's progress in a music or art class be assessed? This year I will be excited to see how the Obama administration will come up with a policy that:

• Weeds out ineffective teachers
• Evaluates all educators in the same manner
• Puts the students' best interest before a political agenda