Latest News and Comment from Education

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Portland Public Schools gives up on Race to the Top efforts | OregonLive.com

Portland Public Schools gives up on Race to the Top efforts | OregonLive.com:


Portland Public Schools gives up on Race to the Top efforts

Not ONE Drop!
The district in August filed an intent to apply for a Race to the Top grant but has dropped its efforts after officials failed to obtain the union's approval to proceed, an important factor in obtaining the grant.


Portland Public Schools has given up its chance to compete for up to $30 million in federal funds after failing to reach an agreement with its union about using test scores in teacher evaluations, one of the grant's requirements. 

The district in August filed an intent to apply for a Race to the Top grant but has dropped its efforts after officials failed to obtain the union's approval to proceed, an important factor in obtaining the grant. 

The Obama administration introduced the competition among states in 2009 to encourage innovative programs to improve student achievement. This year, it offered $400 million to individual districts to develop personalized education plans. Nearly 900 said they planned to apply. 

In the metro area, Canby and Hillsboro were able to get the union buy-in necessary for the grant, but struggles with unions caused districts in other parts of the country to